Senior Capstone: Successful Projects

Papakolea Community Development Corporation

Papakolea is a Hawaiian Homestead community in which the tightly knit network of kupuna and community leaders has taken major steps to shape its future through leadership of the Papakolea Community Development Corporation (PCDC) and a variety of community organizations.

The PCDC strives to promote self-determination by managing community center facilities; to develop strong and effective commnity leaders; and to mobilize broad-based community participation in civic life.

PCDC's Center sought to improve the scope and of its programs and services to over 1,500 residents of Papakolea, Kewalo, and Kalawahine Streamside communities. Since securing the Center, PCDC had begun rehabilitating the facility and had some ideas for further improvements. In working with Chaminade, the main focus was on rehabilitating the current kitchen into a commercial kitchen that could be run as an educational facility and a concession stand operated by the youth of Papakolea.

Adrienne Dillard, PCDC: "The BU470 students were crucial when we were looking to get funding for our kitchen project.  The idea had been around for 10 years, but they came along at that time when we needed it.  If that hadn’t occurred, the kitchen wouldn’t have been the reality it is at this time.  The students wrote our business plan, and that informed our grant-writing.  When we had to submit the grant, that was an asset...

"The students met our kids; they let the environment inform the service they were providing.  I really want them to see that the kitchen is now REAL.  How often do you see that? "

Friends of 'Iolani Palace & the Hawaii Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA )

The Friends of `Iolani Palace organization supports, guides, and manages Palace activities, providing caring stewardship for this Hawaiian landmark and national treasure. Its mission is to preserve, restore, interpret, share, and celebrate the unique cultural, historical, and spiritual qualities of `Iolani Palace and its grounds for the benefit of native Hawaiians, the people of Hawai`i, and the world.

Students were asked to prepare a written public relations plan to position Iolani Palace as a premier cultural and historical treasure, worthy of high recognition and regard in the visitor and resident market sectors, and as an institution deserving of philanthropic support.

“Iolani Palace was pleased to play a role in this excellent exercise to provide students with a learning experience,” said Kippen de Alba Chu, Executive Director of Iolani Palace.

Chaminade University business students Chelsea Taketa and Eugenia Lutali took top honors in the Hawai‘i Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America's first proposal-writing competition. The students honed their skills on preparing a formal response to a public relations Request for Proposal (RFP).

“We congratulate Chelsea and Eugenia for submitting a proposal that was clearly outstanding in every category,” said Ruth Limtiaco, CEO of The Limtiaco Company, who spearheaded the contest. “Their entry exhibited strategic thinking, a consistent theme and a practical budget, elements that are all essential to any comprehensive public relations plan.”

Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii (VLSH)

VLSH provides free or low-cost legal help to low-income Hawaii residents and the non-profit organizations serving them. Volunteers are critical, as they contribute pro bono services.

Attorneys, law students, and others are encouraged to volunteer, thus addressing the unmet legal needs of Hawai'i's low-income residents. Numerous different projects are available, including legal clinics and individual representation.

VLSH's objective was to increase volunteer recruitment of attorneys/recent law school graduates and retention of current volunteers who wished to fulfill representation of their firm’s volunteer work at an outside location through innovative networking opportunities and programs.