Mission statement
The Kīpuka Center at Kauaʻi Community College aims to meet the educational and cultural needs of Native Hawaiians, as described in the Hawaiʻi Papa o ke Ao report. The center’s major goal is to provide a dedicated area that recognizes and upholds Native Hawaiian culture, beliefs, and traditions while promoting a strong feeling of community on campus. The Kīpuka Center is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive learning environment that fosters the growth of community leaders via cultural activities, networking opportunities, and personal and professional development. The center strengthens Kauaʻi Community College's commitment to cultural sustainability and academic success by improving the educational experience for students, staff, and faculty through embracing traditional Hawaiian values and knowledge. The center aims to be the vital space where Native Hawaiians can cultivate a sense of place on campus.
Goals
- The piko of Native Hawaiian initiatives on Kauaʻi Community College
- Create opportunities for cultural enrichments for students, ʻohana, staff, and faculty.
- Strengthen Community Engagement through workshops, networking, presentations, and visits.
- Identify, plan, and address Native Hawaiian barriers to achieving success
Services
- Wahi Launa - A center dedicated to Native Hawaiian culture and values for haumāna(students) to study, learn, network, relax, and collaborate.
- Culture Enrichment Program - Workshops to nurture Kauaʻi Community College ʻohana personally or professionally through Native Hawaiian knowledge and framework.
HouseRules
- Please remove Kāmaʻa(shoes) before entering.
- Respect others.
- If you need help with something, feel free to ask a designated staff for support.
- You are welcome to use the resources and tools of the Kīpuka Center, please handle them with care. Do not remove them from center.
- Physical abuse, drugs, and slandered is not tolerated.
- Leave the space better than when you got there.
- Do not touch other peopleʻs things without asking.
- Arrive to appointments on Hawaiian time which is earlier than the designated time.
Contact Information
Kainoa Keanaaina
Kipuka Coordinator
Email: kainoa3@hawaii.edu
Phone: 808-245-8264