WASHINGTON —Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono, D-Hawai‘i, yesterday announced the awarding of $1,440,002 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services grant funding to support a number of programs on the Neighbor Islands ranging from the development of healthy agricultural and culinary programs to the supporting of Native Hawaiian language television broadcasts.

The federal funding will be distributed through the Department of Health and Human Service’s Administration for Native Americans.
Here are the programs that will benefit:
Maui – MEO BEST Hanai (Feed the People) Program: $484,072

Federal funding will be used to support the Maui Economic Opportunity's BEST (Being Empowered and Safe Together) Reintegration Program. This program provides comprehensive transitional support services and training to prepare inmates for their successful return to the community. BEST clients receive services in the areas of case management, employment training, housing assistance, cognitive skills restructuring, cultural renewal, family reunification, and mentoring. In addition, BEST collaborates with community service agencies to provide substance-abuse and mental-health treatment, as well as other support services.

Hawai‘i Island – ‘Aha Punana Leo: $494,104

Federal funding will be used for technical training in the field of television, as well as the development and broadcast of Native Hawaiian language programming. For example, ‘Aha Punana Leo produces two broadcast quality televisions series: ‘Aina ‘oiwi, a children’s’ educational series similar to “Sesame Street” and Hawai‘i Mauli Ola, a news magazine. Closely related to this is Alana I Kai Hikina, a weekly three-hour Hawaiian language radio program available on the islands of Hawai‘i, Maui and O‘ahu that airs on Hilo’s KWXX.

Hawai‘i Island – Ike Aina: From the Seed to the Table: $310,209

Federal funding will be used to develop an integrated agricultural and culinary program that supports a healthy, sustainable lifestyle for middle and high school students and families in the Puna community. Puna has the second lowest economic standing in the state and is rurally isolated. The educational nonprofit organization Ho‘oulu Lahui is working in partnership with Kua O Ka La Public Charter School and Kamehameha Schools to leverage federal and private funding to support the health and well-being of the Puna community. The programs will also expose youth to career pathways and localized community-based job creation opportunities for area residents.

Hawai‘i Island – Project Halau Pohaku: $151,617

Federal funding will be used to support an education program aimed at restoring Native Hawaiian masonry practices. Training workshops and school curriculum will be developed to teach the skill of using dry stone masonry. The program calls for master masons to conduct these sessions in the ongoing effort to restore ancient Hawaiian fish pond walls and temple sanctuaries, known as heiau.