Hefty Grants For Waimanalo Youth Program

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By RIANA LUM

Through the first quarter of the year, Hawaii Medical Service Association Foundation has given a total of $195,533 in grants to eight Hawaii health and community programs, including Hui Malama O Ke Kai, which received $24,375.

The Waimanalo-based youth program also earned a $200,000 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs as part of OHA’s mission to improve the lives of Native Hawaiians.

Both grants will cover part of the nonprofit group’s operating costs.

While nurturing leadership, fitness, spiritual health, Hawaiian culture and community service for children in grades 5-12, Hui Malama emphasizes Hawaiian culture and values since about 90 percent of its participants are of native Hawaiian ancestry.

Its after-school segment also keeps children considered to be at-risk in a safe setting free of drugs and violence. And it provides families with opportunities to spend time together with multiple retreats and parent education classes.

“Investing in the health of our Islands is really about building healthy families and healthy communities for today and tomorrow,” said HMSA’s executive administrator Mark Forman. “The HMSA Foundation is happy to help in these important efforts.”