In December 2025, Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) celebrated the first anniversary of its Kīhene Lehua (KL) initiative, a vital part of LT’s Early Childhood Program. KL offers housing in Honolulu to ʻohana with young children enrolled as LT beneficiaries, providing stability for families who previously faced housing insecurity or houselessness.
With the security that a safe home provides, participating ʻohana have been able to redirect their time and energy toward strengthening parenting skills, building support networks, securing steady employment, and addressing other stressors. LT supports these efforts through a range of programs and services designed to promote family wellbeing.
The housing component of KL is a cornerstone of LT’s broader Hoʻokahua program, which focuses on creating positive parent-child relationships, pathways to economic stability, and safe, supportive housing. ʻOhana actively engage in individual and group services such as counseling, case management, and group programs.
LT’s dedicated team of specialists walk alongside each ʻohana, recognizing the complex trauma many have experienced. Through opportunities for reflection, healing, skill-building, and resource connection, LT helps families work toward their goals and build a foundation for a brighter future.
Bryan Esmeralda serves as Director of External Relations at Liliʻuokalani Trust.
LT is a private operating foundation established in 1909 by Queen Liliʻuokalani for the benefit of orphan and destitute children, with preference given to Native Hawaiians. Today, LT’s team of over 200 professionals serve thousands of kamali‘i, or beneficiaries, through a combination of direct services and collaborations with community partners.
 celebrated the first anniversary of its Kīhene Lehua (KL) initiative, a vital part of LT’s Early Childhood Program.){kind=link}