Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike (Hana School Building Program) has received $50,000 from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs' Community-Based Economic Development Grant Program.

Students in the construction program at Hana High and Elementary School are using sustainable building practices and renewable materials to build a 1,200-square-foot bamboo pavilion and classroom for industrial arts classes. They also are involved in renovations to the structure that will house Hana's first dialysis center and making improvements at the homes of community elders so they can safely age in place.

Program officials said Ma Ka Hana Ka 'Ike aims to equip students with marketable skills in a changing economy and promote sustainable building practices.