This nonprofit is innovative and has the capacity and ability to listen to community and respond to their needs in unique ways. I have had great conversations and interaction with this nonprofit in regards to the wildfires on the island of Maui. I highly recommend their services and their team, who is filled with skill, knowledge, action, and Aloha
I am working with Paulo Fealafine on a site that will provide services to local people impacted by the Lahaina fire. Many of them have nothing left and we are doing our best to provide gap services that will help them heal and find the support that they desperately need.
Sometimes it is through struggle that you meet the best and brightest, Na Mea Ike Ia is that group. During my deployment with the the Cajun Navy Ground Force to Maui, met the great folks in this organization. They care deeply about Hawaiian culture by honoring that mission through their good works. In 17 years of working with community organizations, although a recent connection, they have become part of my life and soul. Honor to know them and an even greater honor to be welcomed by them.
In December of 2022, I had to great pleasure to attend and take part in the Royal Tribute to Hawai'i's Sovereign event. The event promised to be a place of spirituality and healing, and it delivered on all fronts. The formal procession was incredible to witness and it was wonderful hearing many members of the local community discuss how transcendental the event was - even with the rain. Ne Mea Ike Ia is absolutely making a difference in preserving Hawai'ian culture and contributing further in the preservation of the local identity.
As a Lala O Ka Papa and Luna Na Komite that joined Na Mea 'Ike 'Ia's Papa in 2022 I strive to garner the honor and privilege to work collectively with my Esteemed Fellows Pelekikena Edie Hanohano, Kaukauolelo Brenda K. Reichel, Hala Koke Pelekikena Scot Patrick Hoapili , Luna Komite Elizabeth Keka'aniauokalani Laanui, Luna Ho'oko Paulo Faleafine Jr, Kumu Brad Lum, Kumu Pualeilani-Paiea Kamahoahoa, Na Lala Komite Kokua, Na Ohana, Na Mea Ha'awi, Na Haumana, Na Mea Manawale'a, Hoa Hui, and Na Kako'o Kaiaulu to promote and preserve Aloha in the world; and aid in the positive development of keiki-children, ohana-families, and wahi noho like o ka poʻe-communities with structured, cultural, values-based programs from the essence of our kūpuna-elders, to develop generations of self-dependent successful youth, thriving in their passions, achieving personal excellence, and positively impacting others as they learn how to live Aloha and share it with the world and to Impact the youth to achieve Excellence in Life - by collaborating with family and community to fill the need to BELONG, have a positive IDENTITY, and realize OPPORTUNITY.
For more information on Na Mea 'Ike 'Ia, to make direct or recurring donations and to volunteer or participate in our programs please visit us at https://www.hi-nmii.org/
Na Mea Ike Ia is an organization like no other! A grass roots organization which seeks to take the ancient wisdom and traditions from our Kupuna, and transfer them to the youth of today. This combination of Native Hawaiian philosophy, with modern tools, makes the organization very valuable to challenged and vulnerable youth
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Great people to work with! Very professional and communicative. Their aim to spread aloha is seen in everything they do.
Helping the youths of today. And also keeping it positive through identity. Mentoring the youths and creating opportunities. But most of all preserving the Hawaiian Culture.
Simply stated, Na Mea Ike Ia, is an exceptional organization. They serve Hawaii’s community to build better citizens and raise awareness to Hawaiian culture by supporting all types of activities that enrich the lives of Hawaii’s youth.
Their efforts are magnificent – they truly have Aloha and Malama for our youth. I have seen their impact through a myriad of Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (JROTC) events as well as many Hawaiian cultural events. The organization is Pono and treats people with Aloha, dignity, and respect.
Their service has elevated our events to a professional level by consistently providing high quality drill competition judges, digital medium interfacing and scoring support, and oversight of our competitions. We are truly fortunate to have them support us in all of our activities. Na Mea Ike Ia is essential to Hawaii’s JROTC programs and other youth activities.
Their missions are always people driven with an emphasis put on opportunity creation and cultural inclusion for all participants with a purpose to sustain and grow communities.
One of my friends and her family are a part of this organization and it is really cool to see her learning more and more about her culture as well as sharing it with me. As a resident of hawaii, i love having this opportunity to be connected to the native people on the island I call home.
I see them at the Kamehameha statue every year and it is so inspiring to see the young people getting connected to their culture and keeping it alive on the islands.
I love seeing them at all the special events And learning even more about my culture alongside them. It is such a great outlet for the young Hawaiian kids (or young people in general) here on the islands to be a part of something so special.
I have known Paulo's passion for many, many years. He has guided and assisted many of Hawaii's Keiki through the art of Drillteamship. While I was a JROTC Senior Army Instructor, Paulo was my right-hand man when it came to instructing our Armed Drill Team, taking a couple of the teams to the National Championship. I trust Paulo as a total professional, and thank him for all he did for our cadets!! I pray he gets the funding necessary to take his teams to a higher level in Hawaii and Nationally. KŪLIA I KA NU‘U – STRIVE FOR THE HIGHEST, Paulo!!!
Truly dedicated non-profit focusing on strengthening ties within the community and investing in the future of the youth. The dedication to its mission shines through in their actions and exemplifies qualities we can all learn from.
I had the privilege to volunteer for this non-profit for two seperate youth camps. The rich hawaiian culture, history, and support to the youth of hawaii is an inspiration to any who have had the opportunity to be apart of it. Mahalo for the experience and hope I continue to live the aloha lifestyle. Ohana for life.
Na mea ike ia does a wonderful job bringing the youth together, to find themselves and find their place in the world. Helping them to discover their roots to maintain a steady course to their future. Na mea ike ia help native and non native youth to develop leadership skills and become contributors to their community's.
I have had the opportunity to volunteer with this nonprofit in its efforts to impact our West Maui community and move forward with its Hoʻomāhua Initiative. To date, the organization has been able to rally the support of the Maui County Council to move the project forward so we might have an opportunity to manage tourism, express true Hawaiian culture, and support our local businesses. I am very happy to support Nā Mea ʻIke ʻIa in their endeavors as their work will help to keep Hawaiʻi a special place.
Na Mea Ike Ia provides exceptional competition support and administration for Hawaii’s youth! They are absolutely essential to the success of our youth programs. We could not provide a professional, consistent, and refined level of competitive events without the support of Na Mea Ike Ia! They bridge the gap between Hawaiian cultural awareness and and national pride by working with youth to understand their role in the community and how they can improve their knowledge and achieve their personal goals by providing concurrent hands-on and informational cultural learning opportunities during our activities. They have created a competition and educational framework that allows us to provide consistent and challenging events by using their expertise in the use of technology to create real time access for youth and their families to our competitions using multiple platforms regardless of where they are located in the state of Hawaii. They have invested thousands of hours in creating an exceptional partnership that will help Hawaii’s youth become better citizens. Na Mea Ike Ia is essential to the operations of our program and we would struggle without their assistance. We wholeheartedly endorse Na Mea Ike Ia and hope to see the continued growth and success of their organization!