By Kāwika Urakami, LT Youth Development Lead
In October, my teammates and I had the privilege of working with 20 teenagers at “Workforce Co-Op Alliance Fall Break Trades Camp,” a pilot program created by Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) to introduce youth to construction and trade careers. It took place at the Kona International Marketplace.
One young man shared how working with tools made him feel closer to his father, a skilled tradesman who recently passed away. “My dad would’ve been so proud,” he told us. For this kāne and others like him, the camp was more than learning construction skills — it was an opportunity to heal, honor their Hawaiian roots, and build hope for the future.
We were humbled to support our ʻōpio — many facing challenges at a young age. Five had parents who recently passed away. Five were in the DOE’s Alternative Learning Program, and more than half were in the foster care system, including the Nā Kama Kai program for boys and girls in Hilo and Kona.
The camp was a safe place to build resilience.
Throughout the week, the group practiced teamwork, safety, and collaboration. Our contractor partner also took them to his base yard to operate a skid steer. The ʻōpio looked like they belonged on any professional job site as they did laps around the course while wearing hard hats, goggles, and safety gear.
Many ʻōpio recognized how their kūpuna were resourceful, creative master builders. By mixing modern techniques with traditional knowledge, they felt inspired to build their futures and communities. After all, self-sustainability is in their DNA.
We launched the trades program, fully aware that not all the ʻōpio would pursue trade careers. But our goal was to give them the knowledge and tools to make informed choices about their futures.
One young man, who is about to turn 18 and age out of the foster care system, shared that he was interested in applying to college. He was unsure about his next steps while he worked at a fast-food chain. I am happy to say that he is now participating in LT’s virtual program, “Transition to College,” learning about the financial aid process, and exploring a future full of possibilities.
Stories like these fuel our commitment to Queen Liliʻuokalani’s children. When our Queen established her trust in 1909, her mission was to care for Hawaiians who were orphans or from destitute backgrounds. Today, her legacy continues to support youth ages 0-26 who need healing and a path to thriving.
LT plans to expand the trades program, weaving culture and skill-building to empower our ʻōpio. Whether they join the trades or other fields, they will develop the confidence and resilience to become self-sustaining, successful young Hawaiians.
My teammates and I are incredibly proud to be a part of their young lives.
Kāwika Urakami is a youth development lead for Liliʻuokalani Trust, Kīpuka Hilo. Born and raised in Hilo, he has a master’s degree in educational foundations in leadership from UH Mānoa and worked for the Hawaiʻi Department of Education for over 15 years before joining the Trust.
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