Aloha <<First Name>>,

Mahalo to all partners who joined us in January for a rich, in-person gathering focused on connection, reflection, and shared intention. It was grounding to be together and to start the year in a way that honored both relationships and purpose. As we move into February, our committees are in full motion, with several new partners onboarding last month. We’re always grateful to welcome new voices and perspectives. Partner with us!

Our February meeting will look ahead to Child Abuse Prevention Month, including planning for our 6th Annual ʻOhana Fest on April 11, along with other CAP Month activities. This is an important opportunity to align efforts, share ideas, and continue building collective momentum for prevention across Maui County. Please join us to add your voice to the planning. Your presence and partnership are at the heart of this work.

This February, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Hawaiian language in honor of Mahina ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian Language Month). Celebrated to uplift, honor, and preserve the Native Hawaiian language, events include cultural workshops and educational initiatives aimed at normalizing the use of 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi in daily life. Ways you can participate: Learn new words, practice speaking, and follow #MahinaOleloHawaii, a social media campaign to share ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (proverbs). Learn more at https://mahinaolelohawaii.org/ and Maui Now for local events. 

E mālama pono (take care),

New: Our Zoom registration process now allows you to register for multiple meetings at once. Reserve your calendar up to a year in advance! 

Save the dates: March 11 and April 8 via Zoom

Partners reviewed Weaving Support for All Our ʻOhana: 2025 Year in Review and previewed the new "Our Impact" page on the Hoʻoikaika Partnership website. The group reflected on key accomplishments and challenges from 2025 and engaged in thoughtful discussion about what success would look like for families, providers, and systems in 2026.

Mahalo nui loa to our partners at Parents And Children Together (PACT) for facilitating a 

powerful Sex Trafficking 101 training as part of the meeting, helping deepen awareness and strengthen our collective prevention and response efforts.

 

Hoʻoikaika Partners Present to Maui County WASSP Committee

In January, Maui County Councilmember Shane Sinenci, Chair of the Water Authority, Social Services and Parks Committee (WASSP), invited Hoʻoikaika Partnership to present a committee briefing in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness month. HP Coordinator Deb Marois and partner Cayla Kutaka, Maui Program Director at Parents And Children Together (PACT) delivered presentations focusing on child abuse prevention and child sex trafficking in Maui County.

 

Deb shared Maui County child abuse data and HP’s role in strengthening protective factors through provider coordination and workforce support, community outreach, navigation services, public education, and systems change. Cayla presented on sex trafficking in Maui County, highlighting local data, risk factors, and the importance of early identification and coordinated response. Public Education and Advocacy Committee member Kristin Mills also provided testimony on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), reinforcing the importance of prevention-focused, upstream approaches. Mahalo to partners Euconfra "Connie" Meekhof, Paul Tonnessen, and Dani Egeberg for attending in the council chambers!

 

The discussion and Q&A that followed was especially impactful. Council members listened closely, asked thoughtful questions, and engaged deeply with the information presented, reflecting strong interest in prevention-focused and collaborative approaches. As reported by Maui Now, the briefing underscored the importance of coordinated prevention efforts to strengthen community safety and well-being.

 

Links to the presentations are below. The full WASSP committee briefing video, including the discussion and Q&A with Council members, is now available on the WASSP Committee Website

HP Briefing Presentation: Weaving A Safety Net of Support for All Our ʻOhana

PACT Briefing Presentation: Sex Trafficking in Maui County

The Hoʻoikaika Partnership is seeking experienced facilitators to lead monthly Healing the Healers sessions for providers serving children and families across Maui County. Healing the Healers offers a restorative, peer-based space where providers can pause, reconnect, and build resilience through trauma-informed and culturally grounded practices. Sessions emphasize connection, reflection, and practical self-care strategies that participants can carry back into their work, ʻohana, and communities.  Mahalo for funding provided by Maui County!

Deadline: February 13, 2026

Hoʻoikaika Partnership invites partners and allies to a special, in-person professional development session with Dr. David Schonfeld, a nationally recognized pediatrician and leader in childhood grief and crisis response. Dr. Schonfeld provided critical support to Maui in the immediate aftermath of the wildfires and previously joined us for a powerful workshop   

Supporting Children in the Aftermath of Grief & Loss at the Hoʻoikaika Partnership Annual Conference in September 2023. 

Two years on, this interactive session will offer a unique opportunity to talk story with Dr. Schonfeld about supporting children, families, and ourselves as we continue to navigate persistent grief and cumulative loss. The conversation will explore the distinction between trauma and grief, the long-term impacts of disaster, and practical strategies to reduce compassion fatigue and moral injury among providers.

Join us Tuesday March 3 from 3 - 4:30 pm at Imua Family Services. 

Space is limited. Registration is required. Use the registration link or QR code to reserve your spot. Please see the flier below for details and share with colleagues. 

The Community Engagement Committee is excited to plan the 6th Annual ʻOhana Fest, a free, family-centered event for the keiki and ʻohana served by HP partner agencies and allies.  

Partners are encouraged to offer culturally-relevant, interactive activities that are fun for the whole family and help build protective factors.   Examples include art, storytelling, games, movement, and early literacy activities that foster connection to ʻāina, culture, and ʻohana.  

ʻOhana Fest also helps increase awareness of community resources and supports that keep families strong, connected, and resilient. Attendance is expected to be 300 to 400 people. Giveaways are welcome but not required.  

Promotion: This year, we are hosting a friendly competition to see which agencies recruit the most families. Families will be able to note which agency referred them during on-site registration. Prizes will be awarded, and Hoʻoikaika Partnership will provide fliers and social media posts to support outreach.   Print Friendly OF Flier     Full Color OF Flier

Questions, suggestions or concerns? Please contact Ho'oikaika Community Engagement Committee co-chairs Connie Meekhof at emeekhof@pacthawaii.org or Heidi Allencastre at heidi@piha-maui.org