Welina mai me ke aloha! Welcome to Honolulu Community College’s Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center. The Center was established as part of the college’s efforts to make the University of Hawai‘i one of the world’s foremost indigenous-serving institutions and fulfills the college’s kuleana (responsibility) to the Native Hawaiian Community.
CHANGES RELATED TO COVID
We continue to provide the following services virtually. You can book an appointment with our staff via STAR Balance, phone, or email.
- Academic and career advising via phone, email, and video conferencing
- Personal counseling via phone, email, and videoconferencing
- Assistance with financial aid and scholarship applications
- Virtual activities to promote Hawaiian culture, language, and history (please check our calendar of events for updates)
- College and Career development workshops through the iKEA series
- Hawaiian culture and ‘aina-based professional development workshops
- Referrals to additional support services
Who We Are
The Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center is part of the college’s Kulana Hawai‘i Hawaiian Division, which is a unique organization in the University of Hawai‘i system that comprises Na Papa Hawai‘i (Hawaiian Studies classes) and Hulili Ke Kukui (student support). The college’s commitment to the Hawaiian Community is evidenced by the plethora of programs and services available on campus to support Native Hawaiian students and perpetuate the Hawaiian culture. A detailed account of our programs and service area outcomes are available below.
We are located in the upstairs makai wing of Building 5 (next to the Hale ‘Aina/Cafeteria), just adjacent to the traditional hale at the piko (center) of campus.
Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center is committed to actively preserve and perpetuate Hawaiian culture and values. Through an array of comprehensive services, we strengthen the college’s educational programs and enable students of Hawaiian ancestry to succeed in their academic, career and individual endeavors.
Hulili Ke Kukui fulfills its mission through the following Service Area Outcomes:
SAO 1: Hulili Ke Kukui will foster a Hawaiian place of learning through the integration of language, culture, values, and history into curriculum, campus services, and community engagement.
Hulili Ke Kukui will achieve this by:
- Serving as a model for mālama ‘aina/sustainability initiatives on campus,
- Supporting enrollment in the AA Hawaiian Studies program and Hawaiian Studies courses,
- Providing activities and services that support ola kino (holistic health and wellness),
- Strengthening the campus’s partnerships with Hawaiian community organizations,
- Creating a repository of kupuna ʻike (ancestral knowledge) about the surrounding campus community,
- Increasing the usage of ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language) on campus, and
- Providing opportunities to demonstrate Hawaiian cultural practices and protocol.
SAO 2: Hulili Ke Kukui will serve as a pu‘uhonua (safe space) for all Native Hawaiian students to increase their recruitment, retention, graduation, university transfer, and employment.
Hulili Ke Kukui will achieve this by:
- Identifying the unique needs of non-traditional Native Hawaiian students and providing them with appropriate wrap-around services to foster their success,
- Developing and implementing innovative strategies to support student success,
- Developing strategic partnerships with selected businesses, industry, and training providers to better respond to workforce development and training requirements, and
- Collaborating with campus departments to support student success.
SAO 2: Hulili Ke Kukui will serve as the piko (core) for the institutionalization of Native Hawaiian cultural values across faculty and staff development, leadership, and campus programs.
Hulili Ke Kukui will achieve this by:
- Supporting the development of Hawaiian/Asian/Pacific (HAP) focused courses,
- Integrating Native Hawaiian culture and place in the new employee orientation processes,
- Providing opportunities for professional development in the integration and implementation of Native Hawaiian culture and place-based education,
- Improving efforts to recruit and retain Native Hawaiian faculty, staff, and administrators, and
- Advocating for the institutionalization of programs and positions that support the campus’s Native Hawaiian student population.
The Hulili Ke Kukui staff and Peer Mentors are all here to help you fulfill your goals.
Staff
Kaleialoha Lum-Ho
Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center Coordinator
Email
Direct (808) 845-9176
Faith Kahale Saito
Native Hawaiian Counselor
Direct (808) 845-9112
Greg Kashigi
Po‘i Nā Nalu Program Coordinator
Email
Direct (808) 844-2322
Kaʻanoʻi Akaka
Po‘i Nā Nalu Academic Support Coordinator
Email
Direct (808) 844-2323
Kathleen Ballesteros
Po‘i Nā Nalu Educational Specialist
Email
Direct (808) 844-2347
Paul Kalani Ka‘awa Flores, Jr.
Ho‘āla Hou Program Coordinator
Email
Direct (808) 845-9489
Jarena Pacarro
Ho‘āla Hou Graduate Assistant
Email
Direct (808) 845-9489
Peer Mentors
Jayleen Barino
Hulili Ke Kukui Student Assistant
Kaiwi Aki
Hulili Ke Kukui Student Assistant
Kainani Wills
Po‘i Nā Nalu Peer Mentor
Lahela Arona
Po‘i Nā Nalu Peer Mentor
Services We Offer
Hulili Ke Kukui provides an array of services to support its mission to preserve the Hawaiian Culture and support Native Hawaiian students. As part of an indigenous-serving institution, the Center provides academic, career and transfer advising, co-curricular activities that promote culture-based education and enrichment events. While some programs are specific to Native Hawaiian students, most services are open to everyone. Hulili Ke Kukui services include:
- Student lounge & study space
- Cultural enrichment workshops
- Academic, career and transfer advising
- Mālama ‘Āina Days (service learning opportunities)
- Academic tutoring and mentoring
- Computer Lab and printing
In an effort to fulfill our mission, we regularly conduct outreach in the community and on our campus. We attend community events, conduct presentations in classes, and welcome visitors to the Center. If you are interested in scheduling outreach with us, please complete this form.
The Hālau is a space for students, staff, faculty and the community to gather and learn more about the Hawaiian culture. It is a place to make new friends, eat lunch, study, and relax. E komo mai!
We also offer a variety of cultural enrichment workshops, bringing in experts from different cultural practices, guest speakers and storytellers, and providing hands-on opportunities to learn more about the Hawaiian culture.
The Native Hawaiian Counselor at Hulili Ke Kukui can assist students with:
- Registration
- Career advising
- Academic planning
- Scholarships/financial aid
- Personal problems
- Cultural identity
To make an appointment with the Native Hawaiian Counselor you can ask a peer mentor for help, walk-in, or go to your MySuccess.
You may also contact Faith Kahale Saito at (808) 845-9112 or email
The Hawaiian Center Computer Lab is open to students, staff and faculty, and the community. It is equipped with MAC computers and includes printing services and scanners for use.
Hours of Operation
- Monday-Thursday: 8:30 am-4:00 pm
- Friday: 8:30 am-2:00 pm
Printing Information
Black and white and color printing are available at the following rates:
- $0.10 per page for B&W
- $0.25 per page for Color
Google Form to request reserving the lab
The Computer Lab may also be reserved for instructional/classroom use or events. Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please complete a Computer Lab Request and the staff will get back to you to let you know if your request was accepted. You may also contact the Hawaiian Center Coordinator at 808-845-9176 or email hulilik@hawaii.edu.
Every academic year the UH system distributes tuition waivers intended for Hawaiian students pursuing their academics at all UH Campuses. The Native Hawaiian Tuition Waiver Program was established to support and increase the number of Hawaiian and part-Hawaiian students seeking higher education. The waivers are allocated to each campus based on enrollment data from the previous academic year, and are intended for students who are NEED BASED according to their FAFSA report. In the past few years, HonCC has been allocated a range of 14-20 Tuition Waivers. This will support students who:
- Have identified as Native Hawaiian on their Admissions Application
- Will be a full-time (up to 15 credits) or part-time (minimum 6 credits)
- Maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher
In collaboration with the Financial Aid office and Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center, a process of identifying and selecting individuals has been created. There is no application, students will be invited based on the criteria below. In the initial identification process, criteria used by the Financial Aid office are as follows:
- Does not have a Bachelor’s Degree
- Is not on Financial Aid or Academic Probation
- Applied and completed their FAFSA (inclusive of additional documents) by May 1 *
- Has an expected family contribution (EFC) of 3000 or less *
* Subject to change from academic year or semester
The Financial Aid Office will distribute a letter to all identified students, inviting them to submit a Personal Statement based on three set questions. A selection committee created by Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center will rank, review and select individuals based on their Personal Statement and will be awarded the Tuition Waiver.
Students who have accepted the waiver are required each semester to:
- Attend an orientation at the beginning of the semester
- Attend an advising session with the Native Hawaiian Counselor
- Attend one of the scheduled Mālama ʻĀina events
For more information contact the Native Hawaiian Counselor, Faith Kahale Saito at (808) 845-9112 or email.
Programs
Ho‘āla Hou Program
Ho‘āla Hou is a Title III funded program at Honolulu Community College (HonCC) that proposes to increase access, enrollment and successful completion of academic credentials of Native Hawaiian students. The first goal of the program is to establish an enrollment pathway to HonCC for Native Hawaiian students and create a sense of place at the college for Native Hawaiians that is culturally significant and relevant. Learn more about the program
Niuhelewai Scholars Project
Niuhelewai Scholars provides Honolulu residents with an opportunity to try college for free. Niuhelewai is the name of the ʻili upon which HonCC sits and was also the name of a stream that once flowed through the campus area. The name literally translated means “coconut moving waters” and refers to the coconuts that would fall from trees that used to line Niuhelewai Stream and travel downstream. We believe this name provides an apt metaphor for the journey that participating students will embark upon while attending school. The program provides scholarships and academic support to participants to attain certificates and associates degrees at HonCC or just to try taking a few college courses! Learn more about the program
Po‘i Nā Nalu Program
Established in 1995, Po‘i Nā Nalu is HonCC’s oldest Native Hawaiian-serving program. As the Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education program, its goal is to prepare Native Hawaiian students for employment in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand careers in the CTE and STEM sectors of the global economy by providing vigorous and culturally appropriate opportunities for academic and professional success. Sponsorship is provided by ALU LIKE, Inc. and funded through a Carl Perkins grant from the U.S. Department of Education. Learn more about the program
Native Hawaiian STEM Programs
HonCC offers five academic programs that are designated as STEM focused:
- Architectural, Engineering, & CAD Technologies (AEC)
- Computing, Security, & Networking Technology (CSNT)
- Electrical Installation & Maintenance Technology (EIMT)
- Natural Sciences (NS)
- Occupational & Environmental Safety Management (OESM)
Native Hawaiians have historically been underrepresented in the STEM fields, but enrollment at HonCC has grown steadily over the last five years. In Fall 2012, STEM majors represented 10.2% of overall Native Hawaiian enrollment and by Spring 2017 enrollment increased to 13.3%. In addition, when the Associate of Science in Natural Science degree was introduced in Fall 2014, only two Native Hawaiian students were enrolled and by Spring 2017 the enrollment was 14.
There are currently four grant-funded programs at HonCC that support this growth. Eligible students may gain undergraduate research experience, develop connections between Western science and their culture, participate in place-based activities and earn stipends to support their academic pursuits.
Po‘i Nā Nalu administers the Ho‘omānalowai program, which provides scholarship and academic support to Native Hawaiian students who are interested in becoming a scientist, engineer, teacher, or other STEM professional, including those with an interest in teaching science or mathematics in the Native Hawaiian community. Support services are designed to encourage students to continue and elevate their studies in the STEM fields.
Services & Activities
Support services are designed to encourage students to continue and elevate their studies in the STEM fields through freshman learning communities, tutoring for gateway STEM courses, mandatory advising, professional development workshops, STEM focused workshops, STEM travel, presentation opportunities, and educational awards
Direct student support: training stipends, scholarship, and direct support (internship funding and travel support to conferences)
Teaching & Research Action Clusters (TRACs ) summer program will provide accelerated learning and research experiences for HonCC mid-level undergraduate students each summer.
Eligibility
- Native Hawaiian
- Interested in becoming a STEM professional or teaching STEM in the Native Hawaiian Community
- Enrolled at HonCC as home campus
For more information about Ho‘omānalowai contact Greg Kashigi at email or (808) 844-2322.
Po‘i Nā Nalu administers the Office of Hawaiian Affairs Ho‘ona‘auao Scholarship for HonCC. This scholarship is awarded to high-potential Native Hawaiian students pursuing an undergraduate degree or enrolled in a vocational program at HonCC. Awardees of the scholarship will receive mentorship through Po‘i Nā Nalu and are required to attend a scholarship orientation, academic advising, and other activities which help strengthen educational, professional, cultural, and leadership development. Eligible students may receive up to a $2,000 scholarship per year.
Eligibility
- Native Hawaiian ancestry (verified through OHA Hawaiian Registry Program)
- Completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Priority given to non-traditional students and first generation students
- Enrolled at HonCC as home campus
HONCC Requirements
- Attendance at scholarship orientation and completion of intake forms
- Meeting with an advisor at least once each semester
- Completion of one community service event in the Native Hawaiian Community each semester
- Completion of two academic or career related workshops each semester
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress (minimum 2.0 GPA)
How to Apply
- Students may apply for this scholarship through the UH Common Scholarship Application
- Application includes a short essay and letters of recommendation
For more information about the OHA STEM Ho‘ona‘auao Scholarship visit the UH-OHA Hoʻonaʻauao Scholarship website or contact Greg Kashigi at (808) 844-2322 or email.
Hālau Ola Honua, or PAGE, is a consortium grant led by Windward Community College and funded by the National Science Foundation through the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (NSF-TCUP). The purpose of the grant is to support an environmental sciences concentration in the Associates in Natural Sciences degree and develop a degree pathway to Environmental Science and Sustainability at UH Mānoa. The grant also serves to increase the number of Native Hawaiians pursuing degrees and careers in this field. Participating students will gain mentorship in environmental sciences, undergraduate research skills, and opportunities to complete coursework in calculus, geology, and oceanography. Students will also have an opportunity to earn a stipend for their participation.
For more information about PAGE, contact John Delay, Assistant Professor of Geography at (808) 845-9419 or email.
PEEC II is a National Science Foundation grant funded through the Tribal Colleges and Universities Program. The grant is a collaboration led by Kapiolani Community College to support underrepresented minorities, including Native Hawaiians, pursuing degrees and careers in Engineering. Participating students will gain undergraduate research experience, mentorship, and the ability to complete coursework in calculus. Students will earn stipends for their participation.
Contact Information:
For more information, contact the PEEC Coordinator, Shidong Kang, Physics Instructor, (808) 845-9499 or email.
B2B is a grant funded by the National Science Foundation through the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation’s Bridges to the Baccalaureate (LSAMP-B2B) program. The grant is a collaborative led by Kapiolani Community College that seeks to double the number of Native Hawaiian and other underrepresented minority (URM) students annually transferring into baccalaureate STEM degrees. Participating students will earn stipends and gain undergraduate research experience and peer mentoring.
For more information about STAMP, contact Kaleialoha Lum-Ho, Coordinator, at (808) 845-9176 or email.
Scholarships
Community Resources
Get in Touch
Hulili Ke Kukui Hawaiian Center
Building 5, Room 203
Phone: (808) 844-2345
Hours: M–TH, 8:00 am–4:30 pm
Friday, 8:00 am–2 pm
Calendar of Events
*Hours are subject to change. On rare occasions the Hawaiian Center is closed for off site activities. Follow our social media accounts and check the Calendar of Events for announcements.
Join today!
Hui ‘Ōiwi Hawaiian Club
To perpetuate the Hawaiian culture by providing a co-curricular experience for students to gain knowledge about the Hawaiian culture, while providing an outlet for an enhancing student experience.
Kahale Saito
Hui ‘Ōiwi Faculty Advisor
(808) 845-9112
Kalani Flores
Hui ‘Ōiwi Faculty Advisor
(808) 845-9489
