2009-2010 Kick off Session Summary
30 Youth Alliance members met for their Kick Off session of the 2009-2010 program year at the 2nd annual Princess Ka’iulani Festival to explore the history of the princess, her connection to the Scottish culture and how her spirit lives on today across Maui Nui. Members were surveyed on their familiarity of Hawaiian Culture;, participated in ice breakers, cheered for the tug of war teams, interacted with fairgoers as they introduced and administered Focus Maui Nui community surveys, enjoyed lunches prepared by local nonprofit groups and administered work environment index surveys.
This year the alliance’s program theme is Exploring the Wellbeing of Maui Nui. The 2009-2010 youth alliance program consists of 8 Monthly Sessions, County Fair Community surveying, an end of season Mohala A’e Event, community surveying at sessions, and presenting testimony to community leaders in the fall and spring. Based on a March 2009 report published by Gallup, Hawaii ranked at the top in several well-being indicators however, the 50th state was at the bottom of a key category – Work Environment. Alliance members surveyed the work environment of festival goers and will continue to survey residents at each of their 2009-2010 sessions. At the end of the year, the findings will be compared to state and national data. This project aims to help members gain a better understanding of the trades in Maui Nui and the people who make the community work.
Special thanks to: The County of Maui, The Isle of Maui Pipe Band, Papa Willy’s Sports Store, & Central Maui Self Storage.
“What is the most important thing about being a Maui Nui resident…:
- “That we have a voice and we learn about our community. I wish to keep our beaches and Aina clean!” - Pele Buika, H.P. Baldwin High - Ninth Grade
- “That our community is not too modernized, but not too isolated – it’s perfect!” - Kelsie Chong, Kamehameha Schools Maui - Tenth Grade
- “Our youth is our future but we are actually here NOW! As our community supports one another we can help each other move towards a better future.” - Joyce Gazmen, Lahainaluna- Twelfth Grade
- “To conserve water and keep a steady supply of resources and also to be friendly to other residents and tourists.” - Bryce Mizoguchi, St. Anthony Schools - Tenth Grade
Tenajah Turner, Charmaine Cainguitan, Abegail Bumanglag, Viktoria Ramos, Kat Batulayan, Cyndi Segundo, Sharmaine Pasalo and Marie Alexie Sijalbo watch Master Maoli Artist Al Lagunero create an impressionistic portrait of the Princess while at the festival produced by the Isle of Maui Pipe Band.
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