April 2007

Leadership Kauai would like to send appreciation to our ohana of past and sustaining supporters.  Your donations and support have contributed to the success of our non-profit organization to support Kauais future leaders.

For information about how you can become a participant and/or supporter of Leadership Kauai, please visit our website at www.LeadershipKauai.org or contact us for more information:

P.O. Box 1567

Lihue, Kauai, HI  96766

Telephone (808) 246-8727

Fax (808) 246-8726

Email:  info@leadershipkauai.org

Youth Pi`ina Hoku held a community paint project on February 3rd, 2007.  In an effort to deter vandalism the youth group decided to create appealing artwork for skate park users.  After polling local skaters and community members  for mural ideas, the project group enlisted community artists, Megan OConnell and Kalen Spear to help map out the artwork.  The result was a beautiful half pipe wave, the Hawaiian flag, the Hawaiian Islands, Reggae colors and a dedicated ramp for the skaters to paint  called the Expression Session.  We are very proud of the community`s response to the artwork and the sense of ownership that it has generated for its users.  The youth group have also planned a skate contest in collaboration with the County of Kauai and Mevyn Clothing that was held on Saturday, March 31st.

After a productive year of leadership development, Pi`ina Hoku`s 20 high school Juniors and Seniors are ready to celebrate their achievements.  On Saturday, April 14th the Leadership Kauai Ohana will gather at Smiths Tropical Paradise for the Class of 2007 youth graduation dinner.  Youth participants will be sharing their year in leadership.  Keynote address will be from Ramsay Taum, founder and director of LEI (Life Enhancement Institute) of the Pacific.  As we end our 1st successful year of youth programming, we are starting our recruitment campaign for the next year`s class.  If you know of any interested high school Juniors please have them conta ct us or download an application at leadershipkauai.org.

Pi`ina Hoku pulling a team effort while paddling on Wailua River with Pu`uwai Canoe Club

Our adult class started the new year by meeting with Sonia Manzano, ”Maria” of Sesame Street, in January.  She shared much insight on working in early education and in a multicultural environment.  In February the class had a great opportunity to meet with Kelvin Taketa, President and CEO of Hawaii Community Foundation.  They later joined him at the Kaua’i Chamber of Commerce luncheon that afternoon.  The afternoon speaker was non violent communication guru, JP allen. He shared guidelines to approaching problematic situations effectively and also had everyone out of their seats shaking a limb or two. In March the Adult and Youth Programs met together at the Prince Golf Course Clubhouse in Princeville and heard presentations by Kaua`i County Councilmember Jay Furfaro and Eric Crispin.