‘This center is for them’: Kauaʻi County hosts blessing for new Piʻikoi Youth Center dedicated to keiki, ʻohana
“Every child who walks through these doors will have a safe, welcoming place to learn, play and grow, and every family will have a place to turn for the programs and support they need," said Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami.
7 hours ago
Kauaʻi has a new space all about keiki, where several organizations will provide youth programming and more from one location that formerly helped sustain the community as a marketplace.
Kauaʻi County Office of the Mayor on June 19 hosted a blessing ceremony for the new Piʻikoi Youth Center, located at the Līhuʻe Civic Center.
Kauaʻi County Mayor Derek Kawakami was joined by county officials, partners and program providers during the ceremony at the newly transformed former Līhuʻe Big Save space. The facility is now a dedicated space for keiki, where several organizations will operate free youth programming, an infant-toddler center and family support services.
“Our keiki and families have always been at the heart of this vision, and this center is for them,” said Kawakami in a release following the blessing. “Every child who walks through these doors will have a safe, welcoming place to learn, play and grow, and every family will have a place to turn for the programs and support they need.”
The mayor added there is something “truly special” about seeing the building that once served the community as Līhuʻe Big Save take on new life now as a home for the island’s children.
Kauaʻi County Departments of Public Works and Planning along with the Purchasing Division each played a role in bringing the project from concept to reality, with support from Kauaʻi County Office of the County Attorney.
Hawaiʻi Department of Human Services also provided guidance throughout the process to ensure the renovated facility met licensing requirements for the early learning and youth programs it now houses.
Piʻikoi Youth Center is home to four organizations dedicated to teaching and nurturing Kauaʻi keiki:
- Keala Foundation: Free youth fitness program, mentorship and a homework support center.
- Keiki o ka ʻĀina Learning Centers: Infant-toddler center.
- Kauaʻi Police Activities League (K-PAL): Youth mentorship, e-sports and other activities offered in partnership with law enforcement.
- ʻAʻaea: Family learning interaction program, strengthening early learning and family engagement.
Keala Foundation is the center’s first tenant and anticipated to be operational by August in the new facility.
Other programs and services will be introduced in phases as participating organizations complete their operational preparations.
Additional updates about program availability, enrollment information and operating schedules will be provided in the future.
Contact Natasha Perry at 808-241-4914 or via email at nperry@kauai.gov for additional information or with any questions.
