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About Us

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A place to gather. Ka'ehu Bay has a long running history of being a resource for our community. The Kaʻehu Youth Enhancement & Mentorship Program (KYEMP) is a collaboration between cultural practitioners, natural resource management specialists, and community leaders to train students in traditional land stewardship practices and values found in the Ahupuaʻa land management system. 

 

The after-school and summer program bring the youth of our community together with various professionals to cultivate long-term success through career education and hands-on experience. KYEMP empowers our youth with opportunities to support the community and mālama ʻāina (care for the land) and mālama kai (care for the ocean).

*Funded by the Administration for Native Americans

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Youth Inspired Program

KYEMP was developed from brainstorming sessions with youth in the MPD POI program.  When asked what kind of programs the youth wanted to have offered at Kaʻehu, the majority of the students wanted to learn about different careers to help them decide what they wanted to do after graduating from high-school.  The youth expressed their concerns and frustrations about feeling "confused" about their future and how to plan for their future, whether college, vocational school, or work.

Now more than ever it is important to connect our youth to the opportunities around them. KYEMP connects high school-aged students to environmental professionals and cultural practitioners. By pairing the KYEMP students with these mentors, Ka'ehu is able to provide invaluable experiences and skills that help to expand each participants skill level, experience, and knowledge about Hawaiian cultural practices and traditional land stewardship.

Program available to high school and college students with preference to those living in the Wailuku District.  Applicants must have a 3.0gpa or provide a letter of recommendation from a teacher, coach, or mentor.

Transportation & Meals provided

After-School & Summer Program

*Funded by the Administration for Native Americans

Meet The Kumu

To learn more about a kumu click on their name.

Traditional Natural Resource Management: 

Miscellaneous:

  • James Presbeterio

    • Musician, ʻUkulele Classes

  • Noʻeau Kalima

    • Cultural Specialists

  • Ron Williams

    • Hawaii Historian, State Archives

  • Dustin Palos

    • UH Maui College

mentors
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