Hosted by Hale Kipa President & CEO, Venus Kauʻiokawēkiu Rosete-Medeiros, Kūkākūkā (respectful discussions) is a televised series that features panels of guests as they discuss issues that affect Hawaiʻi’s youth and families. Episodes feature community leaders and representatives of partner organizations who work with Hale Kipa to ensure the young people of our Aloha State live the healthy, productive lives they deserve.
New episodes are broadcasted monthly on ‘Ōlelo Community Media, Oʻahu’s non-profit community public, education, and government access provider. Tune in to channel 54 on your cable stations or visit on-line at olelo.org. Episodes will be archived here, after their initial broadcast.
Episode 01 – Hale Kipa, The House That Aloha Built – October 12, 2023. This debut show introduces Hale Kipa, a nonprofit agency that assists Hawaiʻi’s youth and young adults. Guests from Hale Kipa are: Dori Tyau, Chief Administrative Officer, Michelle Jenkins, Chief Program Officer, Stacy Peiler, Director of Residential Services, Alika Campbell, Program Manager, Brandy Akimo, Director of ʻOhana Resilience Services, Laura Brucia Hamm, Chief Quality Improvement Officer, and Board of Directors: Scott Seu and Mike Magaoay.
Episode 02 – Sexual Exploitation Impacting Hawaiʻi – November 9, 2023. Guests share their lived experiences in hopes of bringing awareness by educating the community and potential victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Guests: Ashley Maha’a, Lived Experience Consultant at CAXHI (Community After Exploitation Hawai’i) and Leinani Yahiku, Hawaiian Domestic Violence Advocate at DVAC (Domestic Violence Action Center).
Episode 03 – Sex Trafficking Programs and Resources – December 14, 2023. This episode lists programs in Hawaiʻi that help protect and support sex trafficked victims. Guests: Victoria Roland, Statewide Program Administrator at Susannah Wesley Community Center and TVAP (Trafficking Victim Assistance Program), Rochelle Vidinha, Honolulu County Human Trafficking Taskforce Coordinator at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Tammy Bitanga, Director of Community Programs at Hoʻōla Nā Pua.
Episode 04 – Trauma-Informed Care in Hawai‘i – January 11, 2024. Guests outline trauma-informed care (TIC) related resources to help identify and address mental health issues experienced by youth and youth adults. Guests: Keli Acquaro, Acting Administrator at DOH – CAMHD (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division), Dr. Scott Shimabukuro, Chair for TIC Task Force, Tia L.R. Hartsock, Executive Director at OWR (Office of Wellness and Resilience).
Episode 05 – True Cost Coalition for True Cost Contracts – February 8, 2024. In this episode, the group discuss the importance for proper state funding of community programs and services that half a million people in Hawaiʻi depend on. Guests: Amanda Pump, President and CEO at Child and Family Service, Shawn Kanaʻiaupuni, President and CEO at Partners in Development Foundation, Gwen Okamoto, Chief Financial Officer at Hale Kipa.
Episode 06 – Impact of Youth Homelessness in Hawai‘i – March 14, 2024. Guests discuss youth homelessness and associated topics such as: mental health issues, developmental needs, substance abuse, the importance of community connection, availability of resources and services, etc. Guests: Alika Campbell, Youth Outreach (YO!) Program Manager for Hale Kipa, Carla Houser, Executive Director at RYSE (Residential Youth Services and Empowerment), Lindsay Ann Pacheco, Homeless Community Development Specialist in the Office of the Governor of Hawai‘i.
Episode 07 – Mālama ‘Ohana Initiative – April 11, 2024. An introduction and future of the Mālama ‘Ohana Initiative that seeks to redesign and recommend transformative changes to Hawai‘i’s existing child welfare system. Guests: Delia Ulima, HI H.O.P.E.S. Initiative Manager at EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc., Kailene Nihipali-Sanchez, Nā Kama a Hāloa Manager at EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc., Laurie Tochiki, Executive Director at EPIC ‘Ohana, Inc. Click here to view the Native Hawaiian Keiki in the Child Welfare System 2021 Fact Sheet.
Episode 08 – Criminal Justice System – Impacts on Hawaiʻi Youth & Families – May 9, 2024. Based on historical facts, guests discuss the likely reasons why native Hawaiians are overrepresented in the criminal justice system and the use of Hawaiian values as a process of healing and realignment. Guests: Toni Bissen, Executive Director at Pūʻā Foundation, Jamee Miller, Co-Founder & CEO at ʻEkolu Mea Nui.
Episode 09 – Transitioning a Legacy of Leadership – June 13, 2024. Since its founding in 1998, the nonprofit, Effective Planning and Innovative Communication, Inc. (EPIC) has been filling a void for badly needed community services. As a cofounder of EPIC, Laurie Tochiki passes the torch to the capable hands of Delia Ulima, who represents a new generation of leadership. Host, Venus Rosete-Medeiros welcomes back guests Laurie Tochiki, Senior Advisor at EPIC ‘Ohana and Delia Ulima, Executive Director at EPIC ‘Ohana.
Episode 10 – The Impact of Domestic Violence on Youth and Families – August 8, 2024 on ‘Ōlelo, channel 54 at 6:00