My name is Bronson, and I am the Kumu hula for the STEMworks after school program at Kalama Intermediate School. I am an advocate in support of this program for many reasons. However, I would like to express some of the important reasons on why I think this program is life-changing. I am a firm believer that culture-based education is an essential component in strengthening oneʻs cultural identity, and sense of belonging in Hawaiʻi. As a cultural practitioner, we find ways to connect: connect the past-to-present, connect to our ancestors, connect in our history; and this case, connect STEM education to Hawaiian arts. There are several cultural pathways of learning that our papa hula offers, other than chant and hula. Students learn loina Hawaiʻi/lawena (Hawaiian customary practices, protocol, appropriate behavior vs. inappropriate), ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge), ʻike Honua (place-base learning), ʻike mauli lāhui (cultural identity pathway), ʻike ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, ʻike pilina (sense of relationship and connections). This type of knowledge, students are able to apply in the real world, even in a professional setting. Every school should have access to cultural education. This free program at Kalama Intermediate School is unique in the various courses offered for all students of all backgrounds. We need to continue to empower our keiki and equip them with ʻike waiwai (valuable knowledge), because knowledge is power! We cannot achieve this level of education without your support. I would like to extend my sincerest aloha and mahalo for supporting our programs that STEMworks offer; and would like to request further support - so that we can make a difference in our communities.
Erin O'Kief
Development Director, Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center
April 1, 2025
Aloha Maui County Council Members,
My name is Erin O'Kief. I am submitting testimony in support of Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center's Youth Arts Education & Outreach Programs, which are included as a proposed line item in the Human Concerns Program Budget for FY26 at $75,000. This funding is critical to the Hui's ability to continue delivering high quality, no-cost arts outreach programs for more than 14,000 Maui County keiki. I am including some statistics and more information below.
However, I would also like to share our family’s personal experience with the Hui's art programs, which have been extremely beneficial for our 7-year old son. He became interested in making art because he has been able to participate in the Hui's Na Keiki No'eau afterschool program at Makawao Elementary School. The program is FREE and serves all grade levels. He is a high-energy student who has trouble focusing but with art materials in his hands, he can focus. He loves the Na Keiki program so much, he asked to attend art camp at the Hui so that he could continue working with his favorite teachers and learn new art skills. The projects are well developed and teach other subjects like science, art history, native species, and so much more. As a mom, I am so grateful for this opportunity for my child to learn. As the Development Director at the Hui, I am proud of these programs, which continue to increase in reach and impact every year. The impact these programs have are immeasurable -- I've seen firsthand that children in these programs exhibit greater self-confidence, more innovation and creativity, a better understanding about the world around them, patience, tolerance, better communication, ... and so much more! Having a positive outlet is more important now than ever before. I ask that you please consider support for Hui No'eau's Youth Arts Education & Outreach Programs.
Hui Youth Arts Education & Outreach Programs
*Served 14,394 Maui County keiki in 2024 compared to 8,349 in 2023*
Hui No‘eau is deeply grateful to the County of Maui for partnering with our organization to provide financial support for Hui Youth and Family Arts Education Outreach Programs. The County should be proud, as we are, of the positive impact these critical programs have on youth in Maui County – and especially youth who need the arts the most for their physical and emotional health, educational benefit, community connection, and overall well-being. Hui youth programs address a critical gap in public school education by providing access to the arts for all youth, no matter their economic situation, geographic location, or level of experience. As more partner agencies realize and share the benefits of Hui Youth programs with the community, other schools and organizations regularly contact the Hui asking to partner. Programs are offered year-round for Maui County youth ages 2.5 -18 and include:
Art with Heart: Maui Fire Relief Programs
Hui No‘eau’s Art with Heart: Maui Fire Relief Program has provided arts programs, Art2Go Art Kits, and art supplies for more than 4,500 children in Lahaina and Kula who have been impacted by the fires. Art with Heart removes cost and transportation barriers to arts participation by sending Hui teaching artists and art supplies directly into Lahaina schools, agencies, and other safe spaces serving clients impacted by the fires. Programs are ongoing, free, and designed to meet the immediate and changing needs of the community. For example, based on demand by Lahaina educators and schools, the Hui has distributed free art supplies benefitting more than 1,500 keiki from Kamehameha III, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena, Sacred Hearts School, Lahaina Intermediate, Lahainaluna High School, and more. Field trips have brought more than 500 Lahaina students to the Hui to engage in art projects and gallery tours. The Hui will continue Art with Heart programming – as funding is available – to meet the greatest needs of the community.
Na Keiki No‘eau Program *Expanded from 5 to 7 schools in 2024*
Na Keiki No‘eau is an important outreach program that sends the Hui’s professional Teaching Artists into 7 Elementary Schools’ A+ After School Programs at: Makawao, Pā‘ia, Pukalani, Kahului, and Wailuku. The program expanded in 2024 to serve students at Princess Nahie’ena’ena Elementary and Kamehameha III Elementary Schools in Lahaina. Hui teaching artists share weekly hands-on arts and cultural learning lessons with children in grades K-5. The Hui provides all art supplies and instruction at no cost to the school or participants. The program is offered two times per week at Pukalani, Makawao, Kahului, and Wailuku and once per week at Paia, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena, and Kamehameha III throughout the school year. The program currently serves 506 students across the 7 schools. During each session, Hui Teaching Artists work with two groups of children for about 1 hour each, rotating through the groups, so that children are engaged every week throughout the school year. Students work with the same teachers every week and, therefore, can build on art concepts over time. Moreover, the Hui's Na Keiki No‘eau Teaching Artists are becoming trusted mentors and confidants for students who are opening up and sharing their life's successes and challenges as they create art. Na Keiki No‘eau eliminates cost and logistic barriers to visual arts education by sending teaching artists into students’ very own classroom, cafeterias, etc. after school at a time when most are waiting for their parents to pick them up after work.
“Art2Go” Art-Kits *Increased distribution from 150 to 250 kits monthly in 2024*
Hui No‘eau’s “Art2Go” kits fill an important educational and recreational void that many families are not equipped to fulfill on their own, due to cost, lack of expertise, access to supplies/opportunities, or time. “Art2Go” provides make-at-home art kits, complete with an art lesson and all necessary art supplies designed for children ages 4-10 years old with adult supervision. Provided at no cost, kits are pre-packaged and ready to “take and make” at home, providing much-needed accessible and uplifting educational and recreational activities for Maui County’s underserved youth.
Hui No‘eau provides 250 kits to children in need each month in collaboration with the following community partners:
- Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers (KHAKO): Kits are delivered to Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers in Wailuku (50 kits) once per month. Hui No‘eau also offers in-person art instruction twice weekly on site at the center, engaging an average of 10 -20 keiki each week. Programming benefits an influx of children and families who evacuated from Lahaina after KHAKO’s West Side Center was lost to the fires.
- Lāna‘i Public Library: Kits (150) are mailed to Lāna‘i once every month. Once the kits arrive on island, they are often fully distributed within 1-2 days of their arrival, demonstrating the great continued interest and need for visual arts activities in the Lāna‘i community. Hui No‘eau has also offered in-person art instruction on Lāna‘i, monthly or as scheduling permits.
- Moloka‘i Arts Center: Kits (50) are mailed to Moloka‘i once every month. Hui No‘eau’s new collaboration with Moloka‘i Arts Center has allowed the Hui to connect with keiki and families in remote areas.
Arts Education Field Trips for Public School Children
Field trips are one of the most effective ways to reach students without resources to participate in art programs outside of school. Programs are provided at no cost. The Hui is available to public schools and preschools as one of their annual field trips. Field trips include a hands-on art lesson (all supplies and instruction provided), gallery tours, demos, and discussion. The Hui provides a stipend for bus transportation for schools for which transportation costs are prohibitive. Annually, field trips engage approximately 1,500 youth of ages 2-18, as well as around 100 teacher and family chaperones.
Foundational Art Classes, Art Camps & Family Programs
Core programs take place at the Hui’s studios in Makawao, serving approx. 650 youth annually. Programs take place after school, on weekends, or on school breaks and support foundational arts learning for ages 2.5-18. Family programs encourage children and adults to explore art together; investment in family learning creates generational change. Art camps serve children of working families who need childcare and/or children who enjoy an immersive arts experience. Scholarships are available to families demonstrating financial need.
Youth and Family Art Events and Exhibitions
The Hui hosts two youth art exhibitions each year (August and October) that give Maui youth the chance to exhibit work in a professional gallery. The Hui also collaborates with King Kekaulike High School to present its annual students’ arts showcase; as well as the Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem Foundation to display artwork by their young surfers. We also collaborate with other organizations to support community events throughout the year, providing art kits and accessible art projects to children who participate.
Dave Pollmiller
Harvest Garden LLC
03/31/2025
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Dave Pollmiller, and I am a farmer and business owner on Maui. I am honored to provide testimony in support of the Maui Farmer Support Network (MFSN) and to express my deep gratitude for the support I have received through its programs.
As a participant in the many programs MSFN offers, I have benefited tremendously from Georgia & Phyllis' support with network and skill building. This support has helped me in many tangible and intangible ways.
MFSN is a vital resource for farmers like me, offering not only education and tools but also a strong sense of community. The challenges of farming in Maui’s unique environment are real, but having access to mentorship, shared resources, and hands-on training has made a significant difference in my ability to succeed.
I strongly encourage continued support for MFSN so that more farmers can benefit as I have. Investing in our local farmers means investing in Maui’s food security, economy, and sustainability. Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Me ke aloha,
Dave Pollmiller
460 Kaluanui Rd. Makawao
My name is Julie Matheis and I am testifying in support of Maui Economic Development Board's economic development programs.
Please invest in Maui’s future, by funding afterschool STEMWORKS programs for our keiki. I am a mother of Kalama students who participate in different afterschool programing that enriches my children’s lives in ways that I could not manage to do without these onsite, engaging programs. These opportunities are important to continue on campus at our public schools, because many of us parents have work schedules that prevent us from easily getting our kids to privately offered, pricey classes elsewhere. It is crucial for Maui's adolescents to have accessible activities afterschool that make them want to achieve great things & contribute to society. Personally, my kids have benefitted and grown from the exposure to knowledge within classes, learned to be persistent as they challenged themselves, forged friendships with other participants, and have been able to participate in amazing events because of the afterschool STEM programs they participate in.
One of my children recently attended Culture Day after STEM fest. This was an amazing experience for the haumana! As they looked at portraits of ali’i, heard stories of the palace, and stood in the room where the queen was imprisoned, they undoubtedly strengthened their connection to Hawaii in a profound and unforgettable way. After Iolani Palace connected students to the lives of Hawaiian monarchs, the visit to the royal mausoleum was so deeply impactful, that I’m not sure I can find the right words to summarize it. Knowing that the lineage of the hula they practice came from those buried at Mauna Ala connected the dancers to cultural traditions in the most reverent way. The tour of the grounds brought even more unique ike and brought forth excellence and mana from these students that will remain with them as they grow. I’m so grateful they were able to participate in these events that perpetuate the heart of Hawaii. Please continue to fund activities like this and make kamaʻāina your priority. Providing these enriching opportunities to Maui's title one schools is an invaluable, equitable way to align children in the average household here with bright new possibilities for their future.
Mahalo,
Julie
Testimonies received from BFED Committee 04-01-2025 (5)
ʻO ke aloha nui,
My name is Bronson, and I am the Kumu hula for the STEMworks after school program at Kalama Intermediate School. I am an advocate in support of this program for many reasons. However, I would like to express some of the important reasons on why I think this program is life-changing. I am a firm believer that culture-based education is an essential component in strengthening oneʻs cultural identity, and sense of belonging in Hawaiʻi. As a cultural practitioner, we find ways to connect: connect the past-to-present, connect to our ancestors, connect in our history; and this case, connect STEM education to Hawaiian arts. There are several cultural pathways of learning that our papa hula offers, other than chant and hula. Students learn loina Hawaiʻi/lawena (Hawaiian customary practices, protocol, appropriate behavior vs. inappropriate), ʻike kupuna (ancestral knowledge), ʻike Honua (place-base learning), ʻike mauli lāhui (cultural identity pathway), ʻike ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi, ʻike pilina (sense of relationship and connections). This type of knowledge, students are able to apply in the real world, even in a professional setting. Every school should have access to cultural education. This free program at Kalama Intermediate School is unique in the various courses offered for all students of all backgrounds. We need to continue to empower our keiki and equip them with ʻike waiwai (valuable knowledge), because knowledge is power! We cannot achieve this level of education without your support. I would like to extend my sincerest aloha and mahalo for supporting our programs that STEMworks offer; and would like to request further support - so that we can make a difference in our communities.
Mahalo nui loa,
Kumu Bronson Ikaika Bajo
Cell (808) 861-7440
Erin O'Kief
Development Director, Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center
April 1, 2025
Aloha Maui County Council Members,
My name is Erin O'Kief. I am submitting testimony in support of Hui No'eau Visual Arts Center's Youth Arts Education & Outreach Programs, which are included as a proposed line item in the Human Concerns Program Budget for FY26 at $75,000. This funding is critical to the Hui's ability to continue delivering high quality, no-cost arts outreach programs for more than 14,000 Maui County keiki. I am including some statistics and more information below.
However, I would also like to share our family’s personal experience with the Hui's art programs, which have been extremely beneficial for our 7-year old son. He became interested in making art because he has been able to participate in the Hui's Na Keiki No'eau afterschool program at Makawao Elementary School. The program is FREE and serves all grade levels. He is a high-energy student who has trouble focusing but with art materials in his hands, he can focus. He loves the Na Keiki program so much, he asked to attend art camp at the Hui so that he could continue working with his favorite teachers and learn new art skills. The projects are well developed and teach other subjects like science, art history, native species, and so much more. As a mom, I am so grateful for this opportunity for my child to learn. As the Development Director at the Hui, I am proud of these programs, which continue to increase in reach and impact every year. The impact these programs have are immeasurable -- I've seen firsthand that children in these programs exhibit greater self-confidence, more innovation and creativity, a better understanding about the world around them, patience, tolerance, better communication, ... and so much more! Having a positive outlet is more important now than ever before. I ask that you please consider support for Hui No'eau's Youth Arts Education & Outreach Programs.
Hui Youth Arts Education & Outreach Programs
*Served 14,394 Maui County keiki in 2024 compared to 8,349 in 2023*
Hui No‘eau is deeply grateful to the County of Maui for partnering with our organization to provide financial support for Hui Youth and Family Arts Education Outreach Programs. The County should be proud, as we are, of the positive impact these critical programs have on youth in Maui County – and especially youth who need the arts the most for their physical and emotional health, educational benefit, community connection, and overall well-being. Hui youth programs address a critical gap in public school education by providing access to the arts for all youth, no matter their economic situation, geographic location, or level of experience. As more partner agencies realize and share the benefits of Hui Youth programs with the community, other schools and organizations regularly contact the Hui asking to partner. Programs are offered year-round for Maui County youth ages 2.5 -18 and include:
Art with Heart: Maui Fire Relief Programs
Hui No‘eau’s Art with Heart: Maui Fire Relief Program has provided arts programs, Art2Go Art Kits, and art supplies for more than 4,500 children in Lahaina and Kula who have been impacted by the fires. Art with Heart removes cost and transportation barriers to arts participation by sending Hui teaching artists and art supplies directly into Lahaina schools, agencies, and other safe spaces serving clients impacted by the fires. Programs are ongoing, free, and designed to meet the immediate and changing needs of the community. For example, based on demand by Lahaina educators and schools, the Hui has distributed free art supplies benefitting more than 1,500 keiki from Kamehameha III, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena, Sacred Hearts School, Lahaina Intermediate, Lahainaluna High School, and more. Field trips have brought more than 500 Lahaina students to the Hui to engage in art projects and gallery tours. The Hui will continue Art with Heart programming – as funding is available – to meet the greatest needs of the community.
Na Keiki No‘eau Program *Expanded from 5 to 7 schools in 2024*
Na Keiki No‘eau is an important outreach program that sends the Hui’s professional Teaching Artists into 7 Elementary Schools’ A+ After School Programs at: Makawao, Pā‘ia, Pukalani, Kahului, and Wailuku. The program expanded in 2024 to serve students at Princess Nahie’ena’ena Elementary and Kamehameha III Elementary Schools in Lahaina. Hui teaching artists share weekly hands-on arts and cultural learning lessons with children in grades K-5. The Hui provides all art supplies and instruction at no cost to the school or participants. The program is offered two times per week at Pukalani, Makawao, Kahului, and Wailuku and once per week at Paia, Princess Nahi‘ena‘ena, and Kamehameha III throughout the school year. The program currently serves 506 students across the 7 schools. During each session, Hui Teaching Artists work with two groups of children for about 1 hour each, rotating through the groups, so that children are engaged every week throughout the school year. Students work with the same teachers every week and, therefore, can build on art concepts over time. Moreover, the Hui's Na Keiki No‘eau Teaching Artists are becoming trusted mentors and confidants for students who are opening up and sharing their life's successes and challenges as they create art. Na Keiki No‘eau eliminates cost and logistic barriers to visual arts education by sending teaching artists into students’ very own classroom, cafeterias, etc. after school at a time when most are waiting for their parents to pick them up after work.
“Art2Go” Art-Kits *Increased distribution from 150 to 250 kits monthly in 2024*
Hui No‘eau’s “Art2Go” kits fill an important educational and recreational void that many families are not equipped to fulfill on their own, due to cost, lack of expertise, access to supplies/opportunities, or time. “Art2Go” provides make-at-home art kits, complete with an art lesson and all necessary art supplies designed for children ages 4-10 years old with adult supervision. Provided at no cost, kits are pre-packaged and ready to “take and make” at home, providing much-needed accessible and uplifting educational and recreational activities for Maui County’s underserved youth.
Hui No‘eau provides 250 kits to children in need each month in collaboration with the following community partners:
- Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers (KHAKO): Kits are delivered to Ka Hale A Ke Ola Homeless Resource Centers in Wailuku (50 kits) once per month. Hui No‘eau also offers in-person art instruction twice weekly on site at the center, engaging an average of 10 -20 keiki each week. Programming benefits an influx of children and families who evacuated from Lahaina after KHAKO’s West Side Center was lost to the fires.
- Lāna‘i Public Library: Kits (150) are mailed to Lāna‘i once every month. Once the kits arrive on island, they are often fully distributed within 1-2 days of their arrival, demonstrating the great continued interest and need for visual arts activities in the Lāna‘i community. Hui No‘eau has also offered in-person art instruction on Lāna‘i, monthly or as scheduling permits.
- Moloka‘i Arts Center: Kits (50) are mailed to Moloka‘i once every month. Hui No‘eau’s new collaboration with Moloka‘i Arts Center has allowed the Hui to connect with keiki and families in remote areas.
Arts Education Field Trips for Public School Children
Field trips are one of the most effective ways to reach students without resources to participate in art programs outside of school. Programs are provided at no cost. The Hui is available to public schools and preschools as one of their annual field trips. Field trips include a hands-on art lesson (all supplies and instruction provided), gallery tours, demos, and discussion. The Hui provides a stipend for bus transportation for schools for which transportation costs are prohibitive. Annually, field trips engage approximately 1,500 youth of ages 2-18, as well as around 100 teacher and family chaperones.
Foundational Art Classes, Art Camps & Family Programs
Core programs take place at the Hui’s studios in Makawao, serving approx. 650 youth annually. Programs take place after school, on weekends, or on school breaks and support foundational arts learning for ages 2.5-18. Family programs encourage children and adults to explore art together; investment in family learning creates generational change. Art camps serve children of working families who need childcare and/or children who enjoy an immersive arts experience. Scholarships are available to families demonstrating financial need.
Youth and Family Art Events and Exhibitions
The Hui hosts two youth art exhibitions each year (August and October) that give Maui youth the chance to exhibit work in a professional gallery. The Hui also collaborates with King Kekaulike High School to present its annual students’ arts showcase; as well as the Ian Walsh Menehune Mayhem Foundation to display artwork by their young surfers. We also collaborate with other organizations to support community events throughout the year, providing art kits and accessible art projects to children who participate.
Thank you for your consideration of support.
Dave Pollmiller
Harvest Garden LLC
03/31/2025
Aloha County Council Members,
My name is Dave Pollmiller, and I am a farmer and business owner on Maui. I am honored to provide testimony in support of the Maui Farmer Support Network (MFSN) and to express my deep gratitude for the support I have received through its programs.
As a participant in the many programs MSFN offers, I have benefited tremendously from Georgia & Phyllis' support with network and skill building. This support has helped me in many tangible and intangible ways.
MFSN is a vital resource for farmers like me, offering not only education and tools but also a strong sense of community. The challenges of farming in Maui’s unique environment are real, but having access to mentorship, shared resources, and hands-on training has made a significant difference in my ability to succeed.
I strongly encourage continued support for MFSN so that more farmers can benefit as I have. Investing in our local farmers means investing in Maui’s food security, economy, and sustainability. Mahalo for your time and consideration.
Me ke aloha,
Dave Pollmiller
460 Kaluanui Rd. Makawao
My name is Julie Matheis and I am testifying in support of Maui Economic Development Board's economic development programs.
Please invest in Maui’s future, by funding afterschool STEMWORKS programs for our keiki. I am a mother of Kalama students who participate in different afterschool programing that enriches my children’s lives in ways that I could not manage to do without these onsite, engaging programs. These opportunities are important to continue on campus at our public schools, because many of us parents have work schedules that prevent us from easily getting our kids to privately offered, pricey classes elsewhere. It is crucial for Maui's adolescents to have accessible activities afterschool that make them want to achieve great things & contribute to society. Personally, my kids have benefitted and grown from the exposure to knowledge within classes, learned to be persistent as they challenged themselves, forged friendships with other participants, and have been able to participate in amazing events because of the afterschool STEM programs they participate in.
One of my children recently attended Culture Day after STEM fest. This was an amazing experience for the haumana! As they looked at portraits of ali’i, heard stories of the palace, and stood in the room where the queen was imprisoned, they undoubtedly strengthened their connection to Hawaii in a profound and unforgettable way. After Iolani Palace connected students to the lives of Hawaiian monarchs, the visit to the royal mausoleum was so deeply impactful, that I’m not sure I can find the right words to summarize it. Knowing that the lineage of the hula they practice came from those buried at Mauna Ala connected the dancers to cultural traditions in the most reverent way. The tour of the grounds brought even more unique ike and brought forth excellence and mana from these students that will remain with them as they grow. I’m so grateful they were able to participate in these events that perpetuate the heart of Hawaii. Please continue to fund activities like this and make kamaʻāina your priority. Providing these enriching opportunities to Maui's title one schools is an invaluable, equitable way to align children in the average household here with bright new possibilities for their future.
Mahalo,
Julie