Kauaʻi organizations granted $ 1 million in funding for youth prevention programs

Thirteen community organizations are the recipients of a $1 million grant for programs prioritizing prevention and early intervention of substance abuse and mental health conditions.

The Life’s Choices Adult and Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Grant Program, managed by the Kauaʻi County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney, awarded funding to initiatives that placed an emphasis on structured, prosocial youth activities that promote resilience, connection, and healthy decision-making.

This year’s awardees provide mentorship, cultural connection, athletics, arts, workforce development, and behavioral health support. The programs serve as proven protective factors that reduce youth substance use, violence, and long-term justice system involvement.

“Public safety starts with prevention,” said Prosecuting Attorney Rebecca Like. “When our youth are connected to positive mentors, cultural identity, and healthy activities, we reduce risk before it becomes crisis. These investments are about building safer communities for the long term.”

The 2026 grant recipients include:

Kumano I Ke Ala ʻĀina TEK – Workforce Training Program will continue to provide structured, year-round pro-social workforce training, mentorship, and paid internship pathways in West Kauaʻi that strengthen protective factors, build employment readiness, and create meaningful alternatives to high-risk environments before deeper system involvement occurs.

Friends of the Children’s Justice Center Hoʻomau Nakili will help provide enhancements for keiki and teens who have specific needs that cannot typically be addressed or funded through government social service agency programs and will help fund the Heroes and Helpers holiday event.

Niumalu Canoe Club – Waʻa Ola Youth Paddling and Wellness Program engages youth in outrigger canoe paddling, mentorship, and wellness education. This grant will fund the expansion and restoration of program infrastructure, including the restoration of five canoes, four of which are currently out of service, and the purchase of additional equipment.

Hui o Manā Ka Puʻuwai Nā ʻŌpio – Youth Paddling Program provides structured, culturally grounded after-school engagement focused on teamwork, leadership, and positive peer relationships. The grant will help fund equipment to sustain, expand and maintain the youth program.

Hale ʻŌpio – STEP Up Program serves justice-involved and high-risk youth through individual counseling, contingency management, and prosocial activities. The program prioritizes youth who face multiple barriers to care, including justice-system involvement, family instability, and limited access to insurance-based services.

Kauaʻi Sailing Association – Hoʻokele Ola: Navigating Healthy Choices Through Sailing and STEM will provide weekly after-school sailing, STEM, and marine education programming that engages youth in purposeful, hands-on activities while building life skills, confidence, and positive peer relationships. Through teamwork, mentorship, and shared responsibility on the water, participants develop a sense of accountability, leadership, and connection to the community.

CLC’s Gymnastics Academy provides structured, ongoing, professionally guided gymnastics programming that supports the physical, emotional, and social development of youth. Grant funds will expand participation to provide free and reduced-cost scholarships based on federal poverty guidelines, supporting families who may otherwise not be able to participate.

Iwi Kua MTC Foundations – Youth Fitness and Resilience Summer Program will provide a no-cost camp with coaches, facility operations, and supplies for West Kauaʻi youth. The program combines foundational functional training, mentorship, and structured education on body mechanics, recovery, and nutrition.

Kauaʻi Pop Warner Football League – Leveling the Field Scholarship Program will reduce financial barriers that prevent income-qualified families from enrolling their children in sports. This project will provide direct financial assistance to ensure keiki can participate regardless of household income.

Anaina Hou Community Park – Lōkahi Music in Schools Program is a structured, school-day assembly for all Kauaʻi public and charter schools that engages entire schools at once and eliminates barriers to participation. The program includes an anti-bullying presentation, an artist performance, youth leadership shadowing, and resources available for keiki and families.

Hanalei Hawaiian Civic Club – Strong Culture, Strong Crews, Strong Communities will add V3 canoes, provide a cultural huakaʻi for ʻōpio traveling to states, assist with participation in the Queen Liliʻuokalani Race, and fund Civic Club workshops.

Waipā Foundation – Mai Uka a I Kai Summer Youth Program immerses youth in land-to-sea stewardship, cultural practices, and environmental education. The program provides structured, engaging activities that build self-esteem and confidence through skill building, outdoor hands-on learning, cultural practices, and stewardship activities.

Kauaʻi Economic Development Board – He Lei Huli, He Lei Ola consists of ongoing weekly hula instruction and six structured cultural workshops. These activities are designed to strengthen cultural identity, leadership development, positive peer relationships, and intergenerational mentorship.

Together, these 13 organizations serve youth and families islandwide. By investing in prevention and positive engagement, the County of Kauaʻi continues its commitment to reducing substance abuse, strengthening families, and promoting long-term public safety.

Life’s Choices received a total of 25 applications requesting more than $3.6 million in funding.

“Every proposal reflected a shared commitment to building protective factors and expanding positive opportunities for our keiki,” said Life’s Choices Director and Prevention Services Coordinator Diane DeHart. “Even when we cannot fund every request, the collective effort to strengthen youth and families across Kauaʻi is something worth celebrating.”

For more information about the Adult and Adolescent Mental Health and Substance Abuse Grant Program, visit the Life’s Choices Kauaʻi website.