Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 11, Number 1, 1 January 1994 — OHA funding helps program for gifted and talent ed Hawaiian children expand to Maui and Kauaʻi [ARTICLE]

OHA funding helps program for gifted and talent ed Hawaiian children expand to Maui and Kauaʻi

Thanks to funding by the Offtce of Hawaiian Affairs, Nā Pua No'eau, the Center for Gifted and Talented Hawaiian Children, has expanded to Maui and Kaua'i. Started in Hilo six years ago, Nā Pua No'eau is the only program of its kind designed specifically for Hawaiian children. The explanation of its name is also a good explanation of the program's mission: "In the Hawaiian language, nā pua, the flowers, refers to the children of Hawai'i. No'eau refers to the talents offered by the children as they blossom on their journey toward self-discovery, said Dr. David Sing, who heads the program. He added it was begun out of a "desire to have a program for native Hawaiian children that focuses on Hawaiian values and leadership." The program coordinator for Maui is one of the island's best-known and well-respected Hawaiian language and culture specialists, Hōkūlani Holt-Padilla. Her role will include identifying children in the community to participate in the program. "The philosophy is that the children already have the skills and talents; we're just bringing them forth," she said. Nā Pua No'eau will operate at Maui Community College in partnership with the University of Hawai'i at Hilo. Children in kindergarten through grade 12 are eligible. For more information, eall 242-1227. AUhea Arinaga and Healani Shim are running Nā Pua No'eau on Kaua'i, and Kaua'i Community College is hosting the program. For more information, eall 245-5042.