April 27, 2011: HONOLULU, HI - The Alaka`ina Foundation is pleased to announce it has received a $65,784 grant from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for its Ho`omaka Hou Project at Hana High and Elementary School on Maui. The project fuses science and technology education with traditional Hawaiian cultural practices.

"We thank the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for recognizing the importance of promoting education in science and technology in a manner that preserves and perpetuates our Native Hawaiian cultural practices," said Jessica Horiuchi, Alaka`ina Foundation Executive Director.

The Ho`omaka Hou Project will serve 6th-12th grade students attending Hana High and Elementary School. The overall goal of the project is to re-establish the nearby school grounds as a sustainable working environment for the community of Hana, and to serve as a model for sustainability for all of Hawai`i. The students will benefit from exposure to local community members whose families have lived in the area for generations, while also integrating cutting edge technology and hands-on, field-based activities.

For More Information:
Jessica Horiuchi
(808) 792-5161
jhoriuchi@alakainafoundation.org

About Alaka‘ina Foundation

The Alaka‘ina Foundation is a non-profit Native Hawaiian Organization. Its goal is to ensure that the youth of Hawai’i have the skills and competencies needed to become effective leaders. The Foundation is making this a reality by developing innovative educational programs, such as the Digital Bus project, that combine leadership, science and technology, and environmental stewardship. From more information, visit the Foundation online at www.alakainafoundation.org.