Native Hawaiian Community Outreach and Involvement

OHA projects

In conjunction with the Office of Hawaiian affairs, Chaminade created the Brother Bertram Bellinghausen, S.M. Photographic Display / travelling exhibit, “Na Pa'i Ki'i 'O Brother Bertram, Photographs of the Kingdom of Hawaii, 1883 to 1905.” The exhibit is curated by Al Lum. Brother Bertram was the first Principal of St. Louis College (the precursor of St. Louis School and Chaminade University). An accomplished photographer, Bro. Bertram captured images of Hawaii prior to the illegal overthrow of the kingdom. “Many of these photos were not presented to the public in Hawaii until 2005,” says Lyman Museum and Mission House (Hilo) executive director Dolly Strazer. “We are fascinated with Brother Bertram’s ability to capture nature, witness a family’s special moment or record a historic moment. Many of Brother Bertram’s photos are, simply put, magical.”

Service Learning, Palolo Pipeline

The Palolo Pipeline is a cooperative effort with Chaminade University, Kapi`olani Community College (KCC) and the University of Hawai`I at Manoa (UHM) to unite several initiatives aiming to prepare students living in Palolo Valley for academic success. The Pipeline gives Chaminade students opportunities to tutor Palolo keiki (children), forming relationships that inspire learning and early college awareness. The goal is to build upon long-lived projects, programs, and partnerships to help create a pipeline of educational support that will see students through the system from preschool through college. Some of the Palolo Pipeline projects are listed below:

• In-class and After-school Programs at Palolo Elementary School – designed to provide students (Kindergarten through Grade 5) with the extra help they need to succeed in school. Almost all of these participants come from disadvantaged circumstances and fall below the poverty line.
• Palolo Hale – a gathering place with a computer center for all ages where the activities include tutoring in computer use and literacy, helping with homework, creating and implementing learning activities for all ages.
• Environmental Project at the Hale “Plantation” – Since 2006, this project has involved educating residents of Palolo homes in environmental awareness, Palolo Stream clean-up and streambank restoration, and the planting of Native Hawaiian species.

Native Hawaiian Education Act (NHEA) Grant –
July 2008 – June 2011

• Pua Lililehua Project - Combining culture, competencies, and capacity for student success in K-6 Hawaiian Elementary Schools. This $1.3 million grant was awarded on July 1, 2008 and runs to June 30, 2011. Chaminade University’s partners in this project are Kula Kaiapuni `O `Anuenue School and Palolo Elementary School.
• Chaminade University – will initiate a research-based program that employs lesson study, inquiry-based instruction, and place-based instruction to improve student learning through a concentrated integrated plan that taps into Hawaiian language and culture which refines pedagogical practices.