In the midst of recent funding cuts by the U.S. Department of Education, the Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture, known as INPEACE, lost $1.6 million in federal funding — 85% of the operating budget — for its flagship program Ka Lama Education Academy, a program focused on growing teachers from local communities.

Nānākuli, HI — INPEACE (Institute for Native Pacific Education and Culture) was notified last week that $1.6 million in funding cuts from the U.S. Department of Education place INPEACE’s cornerstone program — Ka Lama Education Academy — at risk.

INPEACE, among the local nonprofits hurt by cuts in federal grants, has pivoted to seeking new funding while keeping its programs running, CEO Sanoe Marfil says.

Athena Bite-Aken Kane, a mother of two young children under the age of three, was initially a participant in the Hoʻāla Program a few years ago. After reconnecting with Hoʻāla at the Waiʻanae Coast Comprehensive Pediatrics event in 2024, Athena returned for assistance, hoping to secure early education opportunities for her keiki.

At Kamaile Academy in Waiʻanae, the spirit of dedication and community service shines through the efforts of our educators. Among them is Chassidy Kaaihue, a 2nd grade special education teacher whose commitment to fostering student success has made a profound impact on the school and community.

Chloe (14) and Emma (12) Colandrea, young entrepreneurs with a passion for creation, joined the INPEACE Center for Entrepreneurship program to turn their school-project pop-up mākeke into a thriving business, Pua Mau Loa. The program’s proactive and supportive approach inspired them to commit fully, providing tailored assistance to meet their specific needs.in its 30-year history of empowering communities.