Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 30, Number 11, 1 November 2013 — Gifted program to be fully funded [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Gifted program to be fully funded

By Garett Kamemoto \ā Pua No'eau, a program for gifted and talented Native Hawaiian students, is expected to get $1.2 million this year to fully fund its programs. The amount includes almost $877,969 fromthe Office of Hawaiian Affairs and matching funds of $322,242 from the University of Hawai'i. The Office of Hawaiian Affairs Board of Trustees approved the final installment at its meeting in mid-October. Nā Pua No'eau provides special enrichment programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade to enhanee talent, boost selfesteem and embrace Hawaiian culture and values. David Sing, program executive director, told the Board in September that proposed funding levels were not sufficient and some programs might need to be cut. Nā Pua No'eau beneficiaries also testified, saying the program has been instrumental in encouraging students to pursue education, many seeking advanced degrees.

At the October meeting, trustees agreed to boost funding to Nā Pua i No'eau, while OHA administration said it would redirect other money to help fund the program. In addition, trustees approved additional money for Hawaiianfocused charter schools to bring OHA's total commitment for the year to $1.5 million. The Polynesian Voyaging Society was allotted $300,000 to help fund the society's worldwide voyage. However, trustees did not approve funding of $250,000 to support the restoration of Bishop Museum's Pacific Hall. While five trustees voted in favor of the funding, it fell short of the six votes needed to allocate money from OHA's fiscal reserve fund. Trustees have yet to vote on whether to allocate more money to the Native Hawaiian Roll Commission over concerns on the amount of money requested and how the eommission intends to use the funds. Trustees said they want to look further at the request to determine the most prudent use of money. ■

Nā Pua No'eau's programs include a summer residential program for students interested in health careers. This file photo shows 201 1 participants Mana'o lkeda, left, and Keani Chang. - Courtesy HPH