$100,000-plus has flowed to Kaua’i; more available In 1999, Anahola resident John W. Kaohelauli’i and some other community members fretted about children not having a safe playground. The dream of building one at Anahola Mauka Park took hold, even though
$100,000-plus has flowed to Kaua’i; more available
In 1999, Anahola resident John W. Kaohelauli’i and some other community members fretted about children not having a safe playground.
The dream of building one at Anahola Mauka Park took hold, even though there was no widespread interest or funds. The project came to fruition with $60,000 in government and donated money and volunteer services, and has become a source of pride to the community.
The state Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, which provided funds for the project, wants to fund other projects like it and support programs to enhance the quality of life for homesteaders.
“The motivation is to help beneficiaries to start taking greater responsibility for projects and programs,” said Christine Valles, a grant specialist with the agency.
The grants will be awarded through the agency’s Native Hawaiian Development Program from the native Hawaiian Rehabilitation Fund. The deadline for applications is Oct. 1. Additional information is available at (808) 586-3836.
The state agency has awarded 88 grants totaling $2.4 million since the grant program started in December 1995, Valles said.
Of the 88 grants, seven totaling $107,258 went to Kaua’i, including the Anahola playground.
Large donations for the playground project also came from the state Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the Kaua’i County Council, the county Ho’olokahi Program, Hawai’i Community Foundation and the Atherton Family Foundation on O’ahu.
The grants can be used for healthcare services, self-help housing, after-school programs, construction of homes and facilities, legal services, agricultural programs, cleanups, fire prevention and law enforcement programs, Valles said.
Only non-profit organizations that represent state agency applicants or homesteaders are eligible for the funds.
Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net
