Queen Liliʻuokalani dedicated her wealth to the most vulnerable of children. She was acutely aware of the large numbers of orphaned and destitute children across the pae ʻāina. While the Hawaiian population today is rebounding and showing higher rates of connectedness to ʻohana, Hawaiian children are overrepresented in virtually every indicator of distress.
As we look to the next 25 years, we believe investing in the wellbeing of today’s most vulnerable kamaliʻi across a continuum from inception to young adulthood will lead to better outcomes for them and for future generations, disrupting the cycle of poverty for Hawaiian families and communities. (For more information see: https://onipaa.org/pages/lili-uokalani-trust-unveils-strategic-plan-2020-2045.)
To realize this vision, our strategy is designed to navigate the uncertainty ahead and continue to promote thriving through transformational programs for our vulnerable kamaliʻi. Our path forward aligns community work with core initiatives in early childhood, youth development, and opportunity youth services – all rooted in culturally grounded clinical services.
For the first time in our history, LT will provide services from cradle to age 26.
An early childhood center is planned for children from conception to age five. On-site housing for parenting youth will allow us to provide transformational pathways for both parents and children.
Our statewide kīpuka (centers) will host youth development activities in arts, sports, and entrepreneurship.
Clinical services focus on kamaliʻi experiencing foster care, juvenile justice, homelessness, and/or trauma or exploitation. Our social workers are piloting mobile services to reach kamaliʻi where they are.
Lydia’s House in Honolulu provides transitional housing for 42 youth. In 2021, it will launch an assessment/drop-in center, emergency shelter, and wrap-around services for youth who are homeless, runaways, or at risk of committing status offenses.
Additionally, the Trust has acquired approximately 7 acres in Keaʻau on Hawaiʻi Island and 1.5 acres in Kaunakakai on Molokaʻi for future program development. On Maui, commercial spaces in Lahaina and Pukalani are being renovated to host youth programs.
In these times of uncertainty, we draw inspiration from our Queen’s legacy to guide us in our work ahead. We know this is an endeavor we cannot do alone – that we must unite as a community to realize a collective vision of thriving kamaliʻi, ʻohana and lāhui. E ʻonipaʻa kākou!
We welcome those interested in the Queen, her legacy, her mission, to follow us on Facebook and Instagram @liliuokalanitrust, and visit www.onipaa.org to learn more and to sign up for ongoing LT communications.
With over 30 years of experience in nonprofit management, Nālei Akina currently supports the development of Lili‘uokalani Trust’s strategic initiatives in early childhood, youth development and opportunity youth services. Prior to joining LT, Nālei served as administrator at Lunalilo Home overseeing all operations for the care of Native Hawaiian kūpuna. She has also held leadership positions at the National Asian Women’s Health Organization, Alvin Ailey American Dance Center, and serves on the boards of Boys & Girls Club of Hawai‘i and Hawai‘i Youth Opera Chorus.
Liliʻuokalani Trust (LT) leadership team unveiled the 2045 Vision and 2020-2025 Strategic Plan
LT’s Vision and Strategic Plan, known together as “Wehe Ke Ala – The Path is Clear,” more closely aligns our community work with core initiatives in early childhood, youth development and clinical practice. With a focus on transformational change for most vulnerable kamaliʻi, it guides priorities, spending, and programs.
