Washington, D.C. - Senator Mazie K. Hirono today announced seven Hawaii educational and community institutions will receive nearly $3 million for Native Hawaiian career and technical education programs from the U.S. Department of Education. These projects will be directed by Alu Like, Inc., a private, non-profit service organization that assists Native Hawaiians in their efforts to achieve social and economic self-sufficiency.

“This critical education funding demonstrates our nation’s commitment to the Native Hawaiian community,” Hirono said. “These career and technical education programs will help empower Native Hawaiian students with the skills they need to succeed professionally during these difficult economic times. Our state’s economy as a whole benefits when dedicated men and women can access quality jobs and greater opportunities.”

Alu Like, Inc. is a private, non-profit service organization that has assisted Native Hawaiians in their efforts to achieve social and economic self-sufficiency since 1975. The organization offers a comprehensive range of services and activities to fill needs in the Native Hawaiian community, such as early childhood development, job training and assistance for seniors. Its education programs include a maritime stewardship program, summer school scholarships, and scholarships for vocational education.

$413,677 for Honolulu Community College
Honolulu Community College is part of the UH system and offers a wide range of certificates and associate degrees. Honolulu Community College, through its Transitions, Poina Nalu Project, will provide direct Career and Technical Education (CTE) services to Native Hawaiian students.

$423,636 for Leeward Community College
Leeward Community College is a two-year degree institution that is part of the UH system. It offers two year degrees in both technical degrees and opportunity to transfer to a four year institution. Leeward Community College, through its Transitions, Hooulu Project, will provide direct Career and Technical Education (CTE) services to Native Hawaiian students.

$386,741 for Kapiolani Community College
Kapiolani Community College, part of the UH system, is home to a wide range of technical programs, including the renowned Culinary Institute of the Pacific. Nearly 10,000 students are currently enrolled. Kapiolani Community College, through its Health Careers and Work Experience, Kulia ma Kapiolani Project, will provide direct Career and Technical Education (CTE) services to Native Hawaiian students.

$354,207 for James B. Castle High School
James B. Castle High School on Oahu serves a student body of over 1,500 in a socio-economically diverse community from suburban Kaneohe to rural Kualoa. The Castle Complex consists of Castle High School, King Intermediate School and eight elementary feeder schools. Castle High School, through its Health Careers Academy, E Ola Pono Project, will provide direct Career and Technical Education (CTE) services to Native Hawaiian students.

$485,795 for Hawaii Technical Institute
The Hawaii Technical Institute (HTI) was formed in 1986 through a partnership between Alu Like, Inc. and IBM Corporation to develop a job-training center in Honolulu. HTI offers vocational training programs in technology and medicine. Hawaii Technology Institute, through its Health Careers Project, will provide direct Career and Technical Education (CTE) services to Native Hawaiian students.

$378,260 for Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission
The Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) was created by the Hawaii State Legislature to manage the Kahoolawe Island Reserve while it is held in a trust. The KIRC is part of the state DLNR and uses the federal funds designated to restore the island. Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC,) through its Hui Kapehe Project, will provide direct Career and Technical Education (CTE) services to Native Hawaiian students.

$360,360 for Marimed Foundation
Marimed Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that owns and operates the sailing school vessel Makani Olu (Gracious Wind), which offers programs for at-risk youth to promote personal growth. Marimed Foundation, through its Maritime Careers and Technical Training Program, will provide direct Career and Technical Education (CTE) services to Native Hawaiian students.