Approximately 65 students from Hawaiian charter schools visited Kauaʻi CC in March for the annual Nā Pua Noʻeau Kauaʻi “Mad Skillz” event, an immersive, hands-on career exploration experience. Nā Pua Noʻeau is a UH enrichment program for Native Hawaiian children in grades PreK–12.

During the event, high school students participated in one of four vocational pathways offered this year: culinary arts, agriculture, beekeeping or electrical installation and maintenance technology (EIMT). Each session was designed to provide students with practical, real-world skills.

“The primary goal is that within one hour, students walk away with a practical skill,” said Malia Chun, Nā Pua Noʻeau Kauaʻi coordinator. “We hope it gives them insight into whether that pathway is right for them, while also allowing Kauaʻi CC to showcase the incredible programs available here.”

Exploring career paths

In the beekeeping session, students created sugar scrubs using honey and jabong flower oil before tasting hot honey made with chili peppers. All ingredients were sourced directly from the Kauaʻi CC campus. While the activity sparked curiosity, some students noted they are still exploring different career paths.

Ninth grader Kaley Rapacon shared that although she enjoyed learning about the campus apiary, she plans to pursue automotive studies and eventually join her family’s business.

Fellow ninth grader Kulia Numazawa-Laranio, who is currently enrolled in Hawaiian Studies early college courses through Kauaʻi CC, is considering a future in EIMT. Despite that interest, she chose to explore beekeeping during the event.

“Beekeeping is one trade I haven’t experienced yet,” Numazawa-Laranio said. “I’m trying to stay open for college.”

Throughout the workshops, student mentors from the Waiʻaleʻale Project, who are actively pursuing these career pathways, joined the charter school students to talk story. Following the hands-on sessions, participants gathered to learn more about both the Waiʻaleʻale Project and the Kīpaipai Program for first-year students.

Student participants were given tools and materials related to their chosen field, and, organizers hope, a broader perspective on their future opportunities.

Anson Lazaro is graduating from Kauaʻi Community College this spring with a Certificate of Achievement in Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology (EIMT). His next step is joining the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) apprenticeship program. The union will then cover the cost of his continued training and certifications—paving the way toward his dream of becoming a licensed lineman.

After graduating from Waimea High School in 2022, Lazaro initially left Â鶹´«Ã½ to play college baseball but returned home after realizing the cost was unsustainable. That’s when he connected with Kauaʻi CC’s Waiʻaleʻale Project, a scholarship program that gives eligible Kauaʻi and Niʻihau residents an opportunity to try college.

“The Waiʻaleʻale Project helped me be able to afford classes at Kauaʻi CC,” Lazaro said. “The beginning goal was just to learn the foundation of what to expect in the electrical field.”

Saving time and money

That foundation quickly grew into a clear path forward, thanks in part to new EIMT instructor Veronica Rose. A 47-year veteran of the IBEW local 640 in Phoenix, Arizona, Rose has brought valuable union connections and opportunities to Kauaʻi CC students.

This semester marked the first time the IBEW director of apprenticeship flew from Oʻahu to meet with Kauaʻi CC students, along with the IBEW local business rep—creating a direct pipeline from Kauaʻi CC to apprenticeship programs.

“The certificate [in EIMT] gives students a door open into the apprenticeship that is not available to the normal person,” said Rose. “It allows them to skip the first year of apprenticeship classes and bypass testing preliminary qualifications.”

First-generation graduate

Attending Kauaʻi CC has required commitment. The drive from Waimea to the Līhuʻe campus is about one hour each way. Lazaro also works two jobs—averaging a combined 32 hours a week—as a crewmember for Blue Ocean Adventure Tours and as a ramp agent for Alaska Airlines.

Meet more amazing UH spring graduates

“Graduating means a lot,” he said. “I’m the first in my family to finish college, and I hope my younger sister sees that and follows her own path to college.”

Waiʻaleʻale Program Coordinator Lahea Salazar said, “Anson possesses the right combination of drive, intelligence and interpersonal skills to excel and make a difference in this world. Truly, as a first-generation Native Hawaiian male, he has worked hard to stay committed to his college education with the determination to change his life, and it is with no doubt that he is a bright light for others in his family and all those he meets!”

—By Caitlin Fowlkes

The calls Â鶹´«Ã½ an “ideal solar market,” which employs more than 2,300 people and has invested more than $4.8 billion in solar and storage through the second quarter of 2024. To enhance renewable energy education, equipment wholesaler Inter-Island Solar Supply donated thousands of dollars worth of inverters to in October.

“An inverter is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a solar energy system. It’s a device that converts direct current (DC) electricity, which is what a solar panel generates, to alternating current (AC) electricity, which the electrical grid uses,” according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

The donation will help familiarize students in the with real-world equipment commonly installed in the clean energy industry around the state.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous donation from to our program,” said EIMT faculty member Renee Dela Cruz. “This contribution enhances our curriculum and provides our students hands-on experience in cutting-edge renewable energy technologies. By integrating solar inverter training into our program, we are equipping our students with essential skills that are increasingly in-demand in today’s job market.”

The EIMT program prepares students for employment with electrical appliance shops, utility companies, and electrical construction and maintenance companies.

“The Â鶹´«Ã½ Community College Electrical Installation and Maintenance Technology program was a key stepping stone in advancing my career,” said Dason Fujimoto, Inter-Island Solar Supply’s IT systems project manager. “I’m excited to have the opportunity to work with Inter-Island Solar Supply to give back to this program and help foster the next generation of industry leaders.”

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