Kamahaʻo Kaai, a dedicated Kumu at Pūnana Leo o Waiʻanae and mother of two young children, embarked on her journey with Hoʻāla in June 2021. Her introduction to the program came through the glowing recommendation of another parent whom Hoʻāla had previously assisted. At the time, Kamahaʻo had two pressing concerns: the search for suitable childcare placement for her youngest, who was just ten months old, and the need for financial aid options.
Over the course of the next two years, Hoʻāla diligently worked alongside Kamahaʻo. Together, they tackled the daunting task of submitting over ten applications to childcare and financial assistance programs. Hoʻāla also served as a valuable resource for Kamahaʻo’s family, ultimately guiding them towards the opportunity to secure an Affordable Housing condominium in Kapolei.
During the school years 2021 and 2022, both of Kamahaʻo’s sons successfully enrolled in and attended Early Childhood Education (ECE) programs, thanks to financial assistance provided by Hoʻāla. As a result, her younger son, now approaching three years old, is continuing his educational journey in preschool this school year.
Hoʻāla further supported Kamahaʻo’s ʻohana by awarding them a generous scholarship grant of over $8,000.00 through the Hoʻāla Hawaii Community Foundation/Freeman Foundation Scholarship program. This vital financial assistance ensured her son’s continued enrollment in the ECE program and allowed Kamahaʻo to maintain her invaluable role as a teacher in Waiʻanae. Kamahaʻo’s story is a testament to the transformative impact of Hoʻāla’s dedication to educational support and financial assistance for families.
