Kipuka pattern stripe

Alahula Puʻuloa, he alahele na Kaʻahupāhau.

Everywhere in Puʻuloa is the trail of Ka‘ahupāhau. Said of a person who goes everywhere, looking, peering, seeing all, or of a person familiar with every nook and corner of a place. Ka‘ahupāhau is the shark goddess of Pu‘uloa (Pearl Harbor) who guarded the people from being molested by sharks. She moved about, constantly watching.

Nā ʻŌlelo Noʻeau #105

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Native Hawaiian Center at Pu‘uloa

Our Mission

The mission of the Native Hawaiian Center at Puʻuloa is to provide a trusted Kīpuka, where students learn and cultivate a sense of belonging rooted in Aloha ʻĀina.

Our Kīpuka is a respite from the storm. A place that over time and given the right conditions gradually permeates its stagnant surroundings igniting it with vitality. Out of something that has come to symbolize a void, something entirely lacking vibrancy–emerges the life-giving sanctuary that is Kīpuka.

Community

To expand on our shared vision in place-based hands-on learning we reach out across the mokupuni of Oʻahu to nearby loko iʻa, museums, kalo farms, conservation groups, and community members to bring opportunities to our cohorts for ongoing cultural enrichment. By immersing themselves in creating meaningful connections that go beyond the classroom, our students ultimately bring back and apply what they learn to their studies at Leeward Community College. Site visits are a cornerstone to our programs. Some of our partners include Kaʻala Farms, Kūkaniloko, Queen Emma Summer Palace, Mānoa Heritage Center and Loko iʻa Pāʻaiau.

Welcome message from our coordinator

Aloha Mai Kākou, ​

I welcome you to the Native Hawaiian Center at Puʻuloa at UH Leeward Community College. This is our Kīpuka and we are excited to share with you all the services that our unit can provide for your well-being as you travel on your path to secure a good life for you, your family and community.

We are here to serve and advocate for your success while in college. Our mission is “To provide a trusted Kīpuka, where students learn and cultivate a sense of belonging rooted in Aloha ʻĀina.” The staff of our Kīpuka seek to improve your lives by offering comprehensive services to include but not limited to counseling and academic advising, reliable program strategies, dependable support networks, financial aid and scholarship workshops, cultural activities and sound career exploration anchored in ʻIke Hawaiʻi—Hawaiian knowledge and understanding informed by aspects of Hawaiian culture.

It is my belief that moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy) determines who we are by our connection to our lands. When asked, “Where are you from?” one elegant and classic answer is, “I belong to the land of my birth”. Here is the sense of intimate belongingness that permeates the psyche of the people. We belong to the land the way all life belongs to it. Thus, our bloodlines and birth place speak of our identity.

So, I begin with genealogy. Born on Homestead lands, I descend from two lines; one lineage from Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, and another from Kalihi on Oʻahu. I currently reside on Homestead lands in Waiʻanae, Oʻahu.

I also believe that students possess a solid core that makes each one of you special, that you will make a difference in the lives of those around you, and armed with the knowledge and experiences from Leeward CC you will make it through whatever comes along.

I was a student first at Leeward CC all those years ago and have had the pleasure of becoming a colleague to those who were once my professors. Having had many role models along my own personal journey, I will do my very best to be worthy of this position and its responsibilities.

We believe in you. Come to our Kīpuka and experience a sense of belonging, in college, in the classroom, with your classmates and new found friends.

Ke Aloha Nui,
Momi Kamahele
Coordinator

Welcome message from our coordinator

Aloha Mai Kākou, ​

I welcome you to the Native Hawaiian Center at Puʻuloa at UH Leeward Community College. This is our Kīpuka and we are excited to share with you all the services that our unit can provide for your well-being as you travel on your path to secure a good life for you, your family and community.

We are here to serve and advocate for your success while in college. Our mission is “To provide a trusted Kīpuka, where students learn and cultivate a sense of belonging rooted in Aloha ʻĀina.” The staff of our Kīpuka seek to improve your lives by offering comprehensive services to include but not limited to counseling and academic advising, reliable program strategies, dependable support networks, financial aid and scholarship workshops, cultural activities and sound career exploration anchored in ʻIke Hawaiʻi—Hawaiian knowledge and understanding informed by aspects of Hawaiian culture.

It is my belief that moʻokūʻauhau (genealogy) determines who we are by our connection to our lands. When asked, “Where are you from?” one elegant and classic answer is, “I belong to the land of my birth”. Here is the sense of intimate belongingness that permeates the psyche of the people. We belong to the land the way all life belongs to it. Thus, our bloodlines and birth place speak of our identity.

So, I begin with genealogy. Born on Homestead lands, I descend from two lines; one lineage from Hilo on Hawaiʻi Island, and another from Kalihi on Oʻahu. I currently reside on Homestead lands in Waiʻanae, Oʻahu.

I also believe that students possess a solid core that makes each one of you special, that you will make a difference in the lives of those around you, and armed with the knowledge and experiences from Leeward CC you will make it through whatever comes along.

I was a student first at Leeward CC all those years ago and have had the pleasure of becoming a colleague to those who were once my professors. Having had many role models along my own personal journey, I will do my very best to be worthy of this position and its responsibilities.

We believe in you. Come to our Kīpuka and experience a sense of belonging, in college, in the classroom, with your classmates and new found friends.

Ke Aloha Nui,
Momi Kamahele
Coordinator

In This Section

Programs

Reem Bassous

Kahua Ho‘omau Ola

Ke Ala ‘Ike Youtube screenshot

Ke Ala ‘Ike

Mount Ka‘ala landscape

Kūlia Mau

Mount Ka‘ala landscape

He Loa Ke Aho

Support Services

Kipuka entrance
Kipuka interior
Kipuka interior

Welina Mai Lounge

Attend virtual events, make an appointment to meet with an advisor, kanikapila in our lounge, practice ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, learn native plant names, enjoy quiet study hours, warm up a home lunch, borrow a laptop computer, or best of all, meet new people who will no doubt become your friends, mentors, and ʻohana. E komo mai!

    Academic Counseling

    Make us part of your educational journey — no matter what major you choose or what your interests are, a visit with a counselor can help! Meet up by appointment over the phone or on Zoom and get your questions answered. With a little extra planning you can develop your career path, uplift your spirits, and bring yourself that much closer to achieving your dreams.

    Peer Mentors

    Being new on campus can sometimes be a little overwhelming. Our programs provide you with a real time connection to success — because they are students too! Peer Mentors know what it means to ride the Leeward Community College wave and they will be there for you every step of the way. Whether you are looking for a study buddy, seeking opportunities for scholarships, or just want to hang out your Peer Mentor can assist you.

      Kīpuka Hours & House Rules

      Monday – Friday: 8:00am – 4:00pm

      House Rules:

      1. Check-in: All visitors must check-in at the front desk upon arrival. If visitors leave for 30 minutes or more, they are required to sign-in again.

      2. Respectful Environment: Please be respectful of the physical space and all individuals within the center. Please refrain from the use of verbal or written profanity. 

      3. Hours of Operation: The center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

      4. Noise Levels: Maintain a volume that is conducive to both study and community interaction.

      5. Cleanliness: Help keep our space welcoming by cleaning up your area after use and disposing of trash in provided trash bins (place food trash in bins outside of the center).

      6. Shared Resources: Use center equipment and materials responsibly so they remain available for everyone.

      Make a Donation:

      Kīpuka, Native Hawaiian Center at Puʻuloa gratefully accepts contributions that support our programs as part of the UH Foundation. Your generous support is tax-deductible and allows our Kīpuka to enhance our outreach and program offerings that will provide a rich array of student support services anchored in ʻIke Hawaiʻi.

      Mahalo for your support!

      Donate Today

      Staff and Affiliate

      Momi Kamahele

      Professor (Hawaiian Studies and History) Native Hawaiian Student Support Coordinator
      (808) 455-0627
      Send an email

      Piʻikea Hardy-Kahaleoumi

      Associate Professor
      Native Hawaiian Program Counselor
      (808) 455-0314
      Send an email

      D. Leilani Yanagi

      Kahua Ho‘omau Ola 13th Year Specialist
      (808) 455-0242
      Send an email

      Moana Makaimoku

      Cultural Curriculum Specialist (He Loa Ke Aho)
      (808) 455-0544
      Send an email

      Leiala Okuda

      Lei'ala Okuda

      Native Hawaiian Student Support Specialist
      He Loa Ke Aho
      (808) 455-0660
      Send an email
      Brandi-Lynn Hyden

      Brandi-Lynn Makalani Hyden

      Native Hawaiian Student Support Specialist
      He Loa Ke Aho Project Coordinator
      (808) 455-0454

      Send an email

      Mataniu Schrader

      Matāniu Schrader

      Instructional & Student Support Specialist
      Kahua Ho‘omau Ola Program Coordinator
      (808) 455-0599
      Send an email

      Frankie Sablan<br />

      Frankie Sablan

      Educational Specialist – Kūlia Mau Project Coordinator 
      (808) 455-0292
      Send an email

      Punahele Sabagala

      Punahele Sabagala

      Native Hawaiian Center Educational Specialist
      (808) 455-0545
      Send an email

      Kahua Hoʻomau Ola, 13th Year UH System Initiative, provides an opportunity for Native Hawaiian adults, who never attended college to attend Leeward CC, and give college a try. Our goal is to reduce barriers to college for students, and we understand that finances are sometimes a major obstacle. With that being said, if a student is accepted into our scholarship program, we will pay for tuition, books, and fees for his/her first year at Leeward Community College.

      Priority consideration is given to applicants who have no previous college experience or intend to enroll in college; who are of Hawaiian ancestry; who demonstrate in the application that there are financial and other barriers to enrolling in college; and who demonstrate in the application that they would not be able to attend college without the support of the program.

      Contact:
      Matāniu Schrader
      Instructional and Student Support Specialist
      matanius@hawaii.edu
      (808) 455-0599

      He Loa Ke Aho seeks to increase Native Hawaiian student enrollment, persistence, and graduation rates by indigenizing the college and creating a sense of belonging for Native Hawaiian students. This will be achieved through the development of culturally-sustaining open educational resources (OER), investment in cultural faculty professional development, and offering targeted student supports and resources.

      Contact:
      Brandi-Lynn Hyden
      Project Coordinator
      He Loa Ke Aho
      brandily@hawaii.edu
      (808) 455-0454

      Lei’ala Okuda
      Native Hawaiian Student Support Specialist
      He Loa Ke Aho
      leialao@hawaii.edu
      (808) 455-0660

      Ke Ala ‘Anu‘u (KA‘A), STEM Bridge program is a 5-year grant initiative that serves Native Hawaiian students pursuing degrees in STEM pathways at both Leeward Community College and the University of Hawai’i-West Oʻahu. Eligible participants are provided academic support and social-emotional and financial literacy training and Hawaiian culture-based education for 4 years.

      Students receive guidance and support from both institutions that include personnel from the Kīpuka, Native Hawaiian Center at Pu‘uloa at Leeward CC and staff from the University of Hawai‘i-West O‘ahu. They include a Project Coordinator, support staff from UHWO, Retention Specialists and peer mentors. Participants are surrounded by a supportive environment that builds and maintains a well-rounded cultural and academic foundation from which to serve their family and community.

      Launched in 2009, the Ke Ala ʻIke Scholars Program seeks to inspire all Leeward CC students to hāpai (carry, fulfill) their kuleana (responsibilities) in academics and Hawaiian culture while focused on excellence and achievement on the way toward earning any Associate degree or certificate.

      Scholars engage in a one-year program with requirements to earn a place in the Ke Ala ʻIke Scholars graduating class and are granted the privilege of wearing a kīhei (mantle of accomplishment) at Leeward Community College’s Commencement Exercises.

      Contacts:
      Momi Kamahele
      Professor (Hawaiian Studies and History), Native Hawaiian Student Support Coordinator
      (808) 455-0627
      Send an email

      Kūlia Mau is a Native Hawaiian Career and Technical Education (CTE) Project sponsored by ALU LIKE, Inc. and funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

      Our mission is to assist Native Hawaiian students who are considering or pursuing degrees in CTE programs, develop success skills, provide work experiences, and overcome employment barriers.

      Program participants receive services such as cultural and job readiness workshops, peer mentoring, lending library, laptop loan, IDAP book reimbursement, support for required tools and uniforms, stipend for unpaid internship, and funding to attend industry conferences and other professional development opportunities.

      Contact:
      Frankie Sablan
      Educational Specialist
      Kūlia Mau Project Coordinator
      frankie7@hawaii.edu
      (808)455-0292

       

      A First-Year Experience support program designed to equip Leeward Community College’s first-year students with navigating through their freshman year with a sense of purpose, sense of belonging, and sense of self-efficacy and all necessary components to academic success. ​

      This program’s goal is to help students set a firm foundation for academic excellence, graduating from Leeward CC with an associate’s degree and eventually transferring to a 4-year University to earn a bachelor’s degree or higher.

      Program benefits include course sequencing, holistic support, peer mentorship, financial aid, scholarship assistance, an academic achievement award, aspirational goal setting that is culturally compatible, and growth-mindset skills.

      Contact:
      D. Leilani Yanagi
      Kahua Ho‘omau Ola 13th Year Specialist
      Phone: (808) 455-0242
      Send an email