careers are immediately cut short, postponed, or diverted [3].

Four Elements to Kūle‘a's Holistic Outreach

The Kūle‘a Project adopts a holistic outreach strategy mediating the cultural forms and expectations of Native Hawaiians with those of Westernized higher education institutions.  This approach is based on four essential elements of being: 1) cultural, 2) social, 3) cognitive, and
4) spiritual

• Cultural.  Native Hawaiians are especially receptive to events and programs fostering the use of Hawaiian language, music and art forms [4].  The visibility of the Kūle‘a Project, with a Hawaiian name and a pure Hawaiian project coordinator, creates positive impressions for Native Hawaiians on campus and in communities.  Ability to converse in the native language is yet another appealing asset in conducting outreach activities.

• Social.  Native Hawaiians are affinitive an collaborative in their relations both between each other and with non-Hawaiians.  A social climate that is conductive for Native Hawaiians to learn is one where they can identify and connect with others, especially with other Native Hawaiians.  Inclusion and social acceptance are, however, highly valued even beyond Native Hawaiian cultural boundaries.  Conducting initial contacts in familiar locations is also valued.

• Cognitive.  An old Hawaiian adage says, Nānā me ka maka, hana me ka lima! ("Observe with your eyes, work/imitate with you hands!").  Native Hawaiians are skilled kinesic or "hands on" learners.  Kūle‘a community outreach activities incorporate practical time where the University staff assist participants complete actual paperwork.  Furthermore, the presence of University staff helps to break down former barriers, dispelling the myth that the University is an intimidating "ivory tower."

• Spirituality.  Native Hawaiian spirituality is often overlooked.  Spirituality is their kahua, the foundation of their being.  The Kūle‘a Project reaches out and into the community by integrating this

spirituality and respect for prayer.

Kūle‘a's holistic outreach approach utilizes Hawaiian notions and understandings of cultural, cognition, social behavior and spirituality to open an active response by all Native Hawaiian people.  The Kūle‘a Project hopes to further encourage Native Hawaiians to pursue higher education and reaffirm the belief that we all come from a place of privilege.

Endnotes

[1] Many Native Hawaiians view the University of Hawai‘i system, especially the Mānoa campus, in less than positive terms. Media portrayals of the University of Hawai‘i (e.g. UHM’s accreditation controversy, the School of Public Health’s demise, and student protest against the University’s president) have created an ambivalent attitude of higher education. During a recent Papakōlea community meeting, several Native Hawaiians vocalized their concerns about the negative social environment of the university community that is portrayed in the news and expressed a reluctance to be a part of that environment.

[2] A “grassroots” outreach is an approach that Native Hawaiians welcome. Since the initial meetings, University staff have been contacted by participants and participants have made additional requests to speak to other family members. In the long-run, a lasting change can be maintained that bridges the physical and psychological gaps between Native Hawaiian communities and the University.

[3] The public high schools serving Papakōlea and Wai‘anae Coast communities – Roosevelt, Nānākuli, and Wai‘anae High Schools are prime recruiting grounds for vocational education programs and the various branches of the United States military. Both programs present participants with attractive and structured career plans that have immediate (or nearly immediate) economic benefits.

[4] Kimura, Larry. “Hawaiian Culture.” In Native Hawaiian Study Commission Minority Report, vol. 1. Washington D.C.: Department of the Interior. 1983.