The Hawaiʻi Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) is open to anyone who cares about the well-being of children. Over the course of 20 free weekly sessions, participants learn to be effective advocates for children and change agents for their communities.

Each participant also completes a community project. Previous community projects are listed on this page. Click here to download a PDF.

Interested in PLTI? Click here to learn more.

Cohort 1 - Oʻahu

The Dad App	App for mobile device that would remind parent (mostly Dads not living with child) about child’s appointments, afterschool activities, classes, etc.
Wrapping Christmas Presents	Cub Scout Pack wraps Christmas Presents at no cost. A how-to guide on how to do this community service.
Perthes (Overcoming Obstacles)	Overcoming a rare disease and being resilient, the importance of having a positive attitude.
Homework Hui	After school homework program at Kailua Elementary School.
Earth to Hearth	Promoting a home garden in a public housing.
Support for FETCH	Developing a website for FETCH to reach more families.
Childhood Obesity	Promoting fresh foods and more physical activity in Waimanalo to prevent childhood obesity.
Pay It Forward 5Rs Project, Grants for Castle High Project Grad Participant	Grants available to CHS graduates who complete a 5Rs project, developing the process to award the grants.
Youth Leaders	Program in schools that would teach advocacy skills for youth issues.
WIClicious	A cookbook using ingredients available to WIC recipients, especially for families from the Marshall Islands. A grant was secured from the Public Health Association to print the cookbook.
Support Group for Parents with ADHD Children	Provides opportunity for families to get together and learn from each other, sharing success.
Talk Story Listen	Teaching at risk youth, especially those in foster care, to record stories of more mature adults who overcame obstacles to build a successful life.
Hope in the Mourning	Support, understanding and resources when a youth, who is in foster care, dies or is reunified.
Being Sassy	Program for girls developing leadership skills, self-confidence, building in protective factors, to keep them out of sex-trafficking.
Afterschool Chess Club	Chess Club at Dole Intermediate during recess and lunch with hopes of entering competition.
Me First, How Parents Can Support Academic Success	Program at Dole Intermediate School for Micronesian parents, to improve student achievement. Parents attend 15 weeks of sessions. Sessions include topics such as the importance of being on time, understanding the report card, providing a place to do homework, how to approach school officials, being an active parent in their child’s education.
Together We Can, DHS and Foster Parents Work Together	Training staff of both groups to improve the communication and work together.
Play Group for Special Needs Families	Facilitating a play group for special needs children and showing parents that play is a way that children are learning.

Cohort 2 - Oʻahu

Leadership Program Kalaekea Akioka	A leadership program for children that will unfold at the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture.
Communicative Language Teaching Tony Dukie Akioka	Program using using the Hawaiian language and surfing at Lā ‘Ohana ma Kahakai.
Angel’s Traveling Tea Party LisaMarie Guerrero	Partnering with her daughter to take the Angel’s Traveling Tea Party to less fortunate girls living on the beach so that they can “look good on the outside in hopes they will feel better in the inside.”
Slippers for Aloha Jackie Jackson	Bringing churches together on the Windward side to raise awareness that anyone can help those in need.
“Most Likely to Succeed” Moses Moke Kaapana	A community showing of the film “Most Likely to Succeed” to raise questions and action toward improving our educational system in order to serve our children better.
Ka Hale O Papa: Stacking Stones for the Future Wahine Leaders of Hawaiʻi Tiare Kaolelopono	An indigenous based leadership program for mothers and daughters.
Special Communication for Special Children Katherina Kirby	Assist families and educators to better understand each other and the special education system.
Community Haircuts Wanda Mahelona	With a heart for children in need, this project is taking action in the community by providing haircuts for them before school starts.
Pule ‘Ohana no Hokule’a a me Hikianalia Mālia Melemai	The inaugural prayer vigil, Pule ‘Ohana no Hokule’a a me Hikianalia: A Call to Churches in the Moku of Ko’olau for the Hōkūleʻa and Hikianalia.
Girls Learning & Achieving More (GLAM) Teri Lynn Sato	A series of workshops that develops relationships between mothers and daughters at Kulana Nani housing.

Cohort 3 - Oʻahu

Kako’o Cards

Dana Ciacci

Kako’o means to support, uphold, assist in Hawaiian. This project is developing a resource that supports children and their families when dealing

with grief or loss.

Bridging the Parent/Teacher Divide Through Any Means Necessary

Wanatoshia Everage

Bringing awareness to military families of resources available for transitioning families to ensure academic success and to provide a forum for parents and teachers to help students through this process.

A Story of Our Own

Amber Leon-Guerrero

Establishes an art program for the youth of Kahauiki Village, a transitional shelter, to encourage leadership and community development, developing their voices to share their stories of challenges being turned into victories through a mural project.

Aloha Bags, Leaving a Little Love for Those in Need

Traci Khan

Provide those in need with helpful items, a list of resources and to create a cycle of love/giving to help break down the barriers between those in need and those not in need, to model giving to our children instead of thoughtless complacency.

Do You Want to Go Viral? How to be Safe on Social Media

Nohea Walker

Develop a tool, curriculum/brochure/pamphlet to help parents communicate with their children about social media and safety on the internet.

Inspiring Voter Turnout in 96744, Our Kaneohe

Georgi DeCosta

Our children and families are depending on responsible and capable leaders yet Hawaii had the lowest voter turnout, 34.8% of those registered. Increasing voter engagement through voter registration drives, Absentee Ballot registration, and candidate forums in the 96744 zip code area.

The Gomes Mini Park Revitalization and Clean Up

Linda Alicea

Taking care of our neighborhood with the revitalization and beautification of our park. Creating a better sense of ownership in the community will foster unity and stronger relationships between our families, our government officials and workers, and other individuals that use our community park.

Community Haircuts

Wanda Mahelona

With a heart for children in need, this project is taking action in the community by providing haircuts for them before school starts.

Collaborative Cocktail: Mixing the Me with the We

Kaleo Puana

Impacting social emotional wellbeing of all learners through the use of multicultural practices and traditions. Equipping leaders to share history, cultural practices and locations to integrate personal culture into learning.

Cohort 4 — Oʻahu

Making the Grade: Understanding Elementary School Grading Reports	Creating a guide to help parents better understand and how to use their children’s grading reports.
Ohana Collective Model: Strengthening Families Together.	Creating an ‘aloha’ centered client model for family and individual wellness. Increasing parent involvement within the family and community. Educating parents and family members on parenting skills and community.
Growing Youth Leadership from the Grassroots	Creating a pilot program for high school students to participate in government. Focused on the McCully-Mo’ili’ili neighborhood board.
Survivors Speak	An art exhibition featuring work made by survivors of domestic violence.
Honolulu Tenants Union	Organizing and uniting renters to know their rights. Connecting them with legal help when needed. Pushing for legislation the protects and empowers tenants.
Greener Bingo Night	Make the annual Manoa School parent teacher bingo night a “green” bingo night. Providing time and space for students to speak about their passion for the earth. Sharing the work they are doing on minimizing waste and to create an asset-compost. Encouraging families to make consumption choices intentional ones. Encouraging the use of compostable wares at future school events.
Resource portal for parents
Social club for young ladies with intellectual disabilities

Cohort 4 — Maui

End Human Sex Trafficking	Building a coalition of community members to educate the community about sex trafficking and how to keep children safe.
Graceful Puʻuwai	Developing a support group for pregnant women who were abused as children.
Maui Science Fair	Science fairs for children to focus on STEM.
Dept. of Hawaiian Home Lands — Get on the land faster and cheaper	Working with the community to help get Hawaiians homes faster and more affordable.
Girls on the Run	A program that teaches self-esteem to girls through running.
Journal For Expecting Mothers	A journal helping expecting mothers through their pregnancy and delivery.
Na Kia'i'o Iao	Starting a community association for the protection of Iao Valley.
Bringing Mindfulness Back	Bringing mindfulness back into our communities starting with children and families. Groups for parents and children to teach meditation, mindfulness and yoga.
Local Food Documentary	A documentary focusing on families eating only locally grown foods.

Cohort 5 — Statewide Virtual

Reach Your Rainbow	Support for Transgender Youth-Safe Zone Project training for LGBTQ+.
CPR Hawaii	Free CPR Training for parents and kids at the Jiujitsu school.
Pasifika Challenges Among Parents, Students, and Schools	Cultural competence training for teachers on Micronesian culture.
Look Left, Look Right	Reduce the number of pedestrian accidents in the state, opposing SB2630, Freedom to Walk bill, which died this past session
Ke Kumu	An infographic on how to pronounce Hawaiian names correctly
Safe Gun Storage: Do you Unload, Lock and Keep Ammunition Separate?	Presentation to schools/parents on gun storage safety, PSA on gun safety, and Mom's Demand Action-Hawaii Island Chapter Chair.
Ho’oponopono Hui	Peer mediation group for positive social interaction and academic success, attending online training in peer mediation and hoʻoponopono.

Cohort 5 — Maui

Fostering Family Resilience through the Power of Nature	Hiking support groups for parents.
Domestic Violence Prevention	Free CPR Training for parents and kids at the Jiujitsu school.
Special Education Advocacy in Early Childhood	A handout to help guide parents through the DOH Early Intervention Process.
Kneading Bonds	Bringing parents together through bread making.
Kakoʻo Collective	Sober support group for moms to have fun.
Hawaii Chapter of the American Association of Birth Centers	Starting a Hawaii Branch of the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) in order to advocate for legislative change that would allow freestanding birth centers in Hawaii.
Creating Wealth that is our Health	Wellness support group for an apartment complex: Kenolio Apartments.

PLTI-V Cohort A

PS, We Got This	A virtual parent support group for families who wish to have support from other parents when dealing with their children’s challenging behaviors.
A Sustainable Maʻi	A project addressing period poverty. A school program to educate and provide youth with sustainable products to manage their period in a financially, environmentally and healthy way.
The Laundry Room Project, Wahiawa Elementary School	Getting a laundry room at the elementary school for homeless youth.
Mother's Helping Mothers	Working to get permanent housing for unsheltered moms and grandmothers.
A Safe Path for Keiki	Working with local representatives to create a safe sidewalk for the keiki and adults in the neighborhood.
Being Intentional with Digital Media	A project to teach parents how to be more intentional with digital media by holding a virtual workshop for families that help them become more involved in how they use their smart devices or technology with them.
Legendary Abilities Fit-A-Thon Fundraiser	Raising funds for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Helping Every Lahui Link to Opportunities	Helping families to find local resources and support in Hawaii with Individualized Education Plans and Special Education students.
Preschool Beautification Project	Building a protective fence that will also be an interactive, functioning, educational environment for children.

PLTI-V Cohort B

From My Heart to Your Heart	A Toolkit for new mothers and their infants who are separated at birth due to Substance Abuse Disorder or Domestic Violence, or Mental Health Disorders.
A Toolkit for Surviving Grief and Loss	Helping those left behind to heal from the loss of a loved one.
#Passion4Prevention	Helping to educate parents about youth suicide prevention.
The Hands of C.A.R.E. – Child Abuse Respite Environment	Mobile parent-child visitation center with staff who are trained in trauma-informed care.
Start Where You Are (SWAY) Circle	A support group for women focusing on self-care.
Navigation Toolkit for Parent Engagement in Kaneohe Public Schools	Encouraging parents to choose public schools to increase diversity and overall quality.
Parent's First	Would like to help stop the cycle of poverty by putting parents first.
What is Child Sex Trafficking in Hawaii?	A project that provides presentations to schools, parents and community on risk factors, identifying signs of trafficking and how to report.
Do Nature Your Kids?	Connecting children back to nature by leading group hikes.
The Great Wahine Run	A program that bridges the need-gap for women and progressives’ agendas to campaign for elected office.
Keiki’s A La (Path)	Providing resource information to families for childcare subsidies.
Adaptive Water Sports 101	A website to train on adaptive surfing, adaptive kayaking and adaptive swimming, and how to support those with disabilities to have access to the ocean.

Cohort 7

Guardian Ad Lidem, Essential To Sexual Assault Cases Involving Children Annette Brautigam-Suʻapaia	A project that makes proper protections and a Guardian Ad Lidem mandatory in all child abuse cases
The Hangout: A safe space for LGBTQ+ Youth Rachael Greedy	A safe place for young LGBTQ+ to relax and be themselves.
A/Cs PROTECT KEIKI Ashley Hubbard	Education and awareness, Resource utilization and continuation of advocacy efforts towards obtaining air conditioning for all classrooms in Hawaiʻi.
Mālama Nā Keiki NICU Leilani Kailiawa	(Mālama ʻOhana Support Services) A parent emotional support line for families of newborn babies that have been discharged from Kapiʻolani Medical Center NICU.
We Fight! Reynell Kawaihae	Women \| Empowerment \| Females \| Inspiring \| Godly \| Habits \| and Testimonies. Build Confidence in Teen Girls. Through spiritual, mental, and physical awareness, confidence, boundaries, and self-defense.
Project Surf Hawaiʻi Moani Silva	A Project giving free surfboards to children in Hawaiʻi, with preference to native Hawaiian children.

If You Can See Her, You Can Be Her Raquel Aki	An after-school support group for teen girls
Keiki Shopping Spree Lani Bowman	Children are given money to spend at a thrift store to buy items for their parents for a special occasion.
Be Instrumental Jennifer Farkas	Encouraging the benefits of music education by providing donated instruments to play and support to pay for music lessons
Nā ʻOhana Ulu Pono Brooksie Kenolio	A support group for birth parents in the Child Welfare System
Restore Hanamulu Joanna McCormack Jardine	A group to help restore Hanamaulu Beach park, and make it family-friendly
Keahumoa Place Tax Prep Workshop Cristine Natividad	A free workshop to help parents and teach them how to prepare their taxes
Sun Rise at Sunset Memorial Park Patti Rabacal	A group to help take care of the cemetery
Maikaʻi Park Kitri Rowland	A support play group for parents that encourages families to go outdoors
Olakino Nohona Wendy Taylor	Guide keiki by teaching health and wellness practices

Cohort 8

Spectrum of Support (SOS) Church Engagement Project Airess Serna	A support group for parents of children with Autism diagnosis.
Keiki Food Connection Gwen Whiting	Partnering with WIC to grow food at home.
Hey Aunty Joell Edwards	An app where youth can reach out for help and get 1-1 support.
Head Start, Policy Council Member Miliani Kuhaulua	Being on the policy council for the Head Start program
IEP Meeting, Here I Come! Reinalyn Terrado	A picture book for IEP process & translation in Tagalog
IEP Kokua Shauna Kamaka	Having mediators for the IEP process between the family and the school

The Risk to Keiki is Real-Naloxone on School Campus Can Save a Life Andi Pawasarat-Losalio	Getting Nar-Can in Charter Schools on Hawaii Island
The Museum of Papahanaumoku & Mahina Christen Zulli	An Art, Play, Healing Center for Women and Families "Play Cafes"
Word Around Town Elysia Hendricks	A list of free, shared book stands on Maui
It's Cool to Be Kind Kristina Kaimiola	An Anti-Bullying coloring book
Reiki for Keiki Leilani Aquino	A group teaching Reiki to parents in relation to their interactions with their children
The Hanuola Project Mapuana (Ronda) Hayashi-Simpliciano	Addressing indoor air quality in Schools
STEAM on the Spectrum Noelle Zimdahl	A support group teaching STEM activities for children with Autism
Milk Sweeties LLC – Parent Education Support Services Denise Carvalho	Developing Parent Education Support Services - Parent Education and Resource website.
‘Ohana Garden and Grindz Ongoing (OGGO) Daniella Vingelen	Keeping families engaged after going through the free 4 week ‘Ohana Garden ‘n Grindz (OGG) program. OGG is a University of Hawaii extension program that started on Molokai and addresses community resilience through virtual family-based agriculture education. Families are taught gardening and kitchen skills with an emergency preparedness mindset.
Keiki Whispers Holly Irimata	Providing children and youth in Hawaiʻi with an outlet to express personal secrets, burdens, and/or frustrations through artwork and writing that they may send through the program or school, allowing the child or youth to feel the emotional release.
Let Me Introduce You to Nutrislice Malia Jarvie	Collaboration with Pukalani Elementary school to create a video and brochure promoting the Nutrislice app and website with the goal of informing parents about school meal nutrition.
Family Advocacy Google Site and Blog Regina Corniel	Bringsing resources and events to Hawaii ‘s community with a focus on Maui’s children with special needs and learning disabilities.
Renters Talk Story Jordan Hocker	Talk Story sessions informing renters about their rights
We Rise Up to Awareness Ronnette Gonsalves	Addressing Hygiene poverty by collaborating with DOE with hygiene needs.

Cohort 9

Kenolio Apartments Resident-Led Community Support Initiation Star Kemfort	Help neighbors connect through real-life conversations focused on mental health. By using surveys and organizing simple, meaningful gatherings like walks or craft nights, I hope to create a supportive space that strengthens our mental well-being and brings back the true meaning of Aloha.
Hawaii Chapter of American Association of Birth Centers Whitney Herrelson	Creating a Hawaii Branch of the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) in order to advocate for legislative change that would allow freestanding birthing centers in Hawaii. The AABC sets standards and model regulations for birth centers nationally, and opening a chapter will allow access to their Policy Toolkits and backing during legislative efforts. See more about here: A state chapter is an opportunity to bring AABC's national recognition and influence to Hawaii's local initiatives.
Aloha Auntee Addie Jones	Certification for mastectomy and lumpectomy prosthetic bras for women recovering from cancer. Open a retail space that includes a warm environment with education of aftercare for cancer.
Kneading Bonds Nicole Bulacan	3 hour workshop where families will dive into the art of bread making and discover how to make a simple beginner artisan loaf and a tantalizing garlic bread. Not only can you help sustain your family and save money through this workshop, you can create long lasting memories baking bread and building bonds together.
Peer Mediation Waynette Apolo	Peer Mediation as an effective and empowering approach to conflict resolution that benefits individual students and the larger school community. Promote a culture of respect, cooperation, and understanding, laying the foundation for positive social interactions and academic success.
Enhanced Education of Micronesian Students Joanne Doell	Bring the best teaching strategies to regular classroom teachers of students from the Micronesian-Pacific Islands along with cultural/family information gathered from existing sources. Emphasis is on creating a trusting relationship with both students and their families through contacts with translators, possible pastors of families. Information in how behaviors have a cultural basis and may be different from behaviors expected of non-Micronesian students and how to be respectful of both. Working with English Language Specialists, and other school personnel, my project seeks to dovetail with past such workshops and bring new information, especially to new hires in the 20 elementary schools; 4 Intermediate schools and a variety of private schools on Maui.

CPR Hawai'i

Jason Estrella

Beginning in 2019 through the Hawai‘i JiuJitsu Foundation, the project initially aimed to educate the public on Hands-Only CPR and certify youth athletes and coaches in CPR and AED use. It also focuses on building youth confidence and employability through resume-building and life-saving skills. In response to COVID-19, the project expanded to serve the broader East Hawai‘i County, targeting youth ages 15–24. To date, 88 youth statewide have been certified in Adult, Child, and Infant CPR/AED/First Aid at no cost. The project continues to provide free life-saving training to youth across Hawai‘i.

Cohort 10

Christmas is for Kids Deborah Waltrip	Providing poster board sized cards for hospitalized children at Shriners Children’s hospital who are missing family and friends whilst undergoing inpatient treatment, often for extended periods. I also did one for my local hospital for their ambulatory care department as I spent three half days a week there getting IVs and they told me that they were not allowed to decorate.
Getting Lit Erin Fulton	The August 2023 Lahaina fire destroyed key educational spaces, including the public library, leaving our community without permanent literacy resources until at least 2025. In response, I launched a grassroots program delivering books, SEL materials, and art therapy kits to over 700 families monthly. We serve children across FEMA sites, our resource center, and DOE-affiliated programs, ensuring access regardless of housing status. This grant would help expand and restock our distributions, fund paper supplies for home use, and provide gas stipends to support volunteers reaching families in need.
O ʻKoʻa Wau... I am Different Tara Mossman	A children’s book inspired by 12-year-old Luke Anthony, who was born with Down syndrome. Created in collaboration with his mother, Tara Mossman, this story celebrates the unique strengths of individuals with intellectual disabilities while promoting empathy, inclusion, and cultural pride. Blending a simple narrative with ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, tropical-themed illustrations, and Luke’s personal experiences, the book aims to be a resource for families, educators, and community members. Luke was actively involved in developing the storyline and visuals, making this a truly personal and empowering project.
Maya Eloise & the Bubble of Boundaries Leslie Cabingabang	A children's book that introduces young readers to the concepts of consent, personal boundaries, and bodily autonomy in an age-appropriate and culturally grounded way. Inspired by the author's personal experience as a survivor and her 15+ years in sexual violence prevention in higher education, the story follows Maya Eloise and her sea creature friends as they learn to set and respect boundaries. Created to support parents and caregivers who may struggle to discuss these important topics, the book offers a gentle, accessible tool for starting early conversations about consent. Set in Hawaiʻi, it incorporates local values and familiar environments to ensure relevance for island families. This project aims to foster a culture of respect, safety, and empowerment—laying the foundation for preventing sexual violence from a young age.
Healthy Housing for Hawai'i's Keiki Anna Harmon	This one-hour talk-story workshop brings together parents and caregivers to learn about and discuss how to prevent lead exposure at home, especially from contaminated soil. The goal is to empower all Hawaiʻi families—regardless of income or homeownership—with practical knowledge and support to protect their keiki. Participants will receive accessible education in a supportive, non-government setting and may take home a lead test kit to begin assessing their environment immediately. With rising concerns about lead exposure and limited direct outreach, this community-led approach offers families a safe space to kōkua one another, take informed action, and build resilience.

PLTI Community Projects